Frustrated by lack of cash flow properties in our region

[James Burrow]

Hello all. My name is Scott. My wife and I are just beginning our investment journey in real estate. I just turned 50, so I feel some pressure to get started quickly given we are late in the game. Our local market, Enterprise, AL, is relatively strong and the market close by in Panama City Beach, FL is booming. That being said, I have looked on the MLS and reviewed several properties(practicing the evaluation process). These are newly rehabilitated/flipped and some are 1970 vintage, but all asking prices essentially eliminate cash flow. As others have stated, I do not want to rely on appreciation and taxes as my only wealth building platforms. I'm probably making some fatal flaw in cost estimation but I am using the tools here on the website. Is it the general practice of this group to simply offer the numbers that work for you and move on if no agreement is reached, or are there any suggestion out there that I might utilize moving forward? I had not to this point considered looking at distant properties since we are just starting. Maybe that is the right approach. My head is swimming a bit. Forgive the rant. Nervous but eager. Thanks for any help in advance