They provide all the solutions one could ask. 

This doesn't come cheap--these folks were making high six to seven figures depending on volume.We focused on lending to professional real estate investors--so our customers were frequent repeat borrowers. 

@Mario Morales, to echo Bradley, I would say this depends on what you are lacking in your own knowledge base.To some (probably many investors) the agent is simply an initial filter for them.  

This was a cost-effective way to meet our requirement of providing just a stove and refrigerator (we don’t include washers or dryers), without breaking the bank further.But here’s the twist: If we were upgrading appliances for a long-term tenant with a stellar payment history, we might invest in brand-new appliances.

I have other existing consumer products.So I would outfit the RV with Solar and Starlink to provide power and internet at all times. 

Sharing your goals can help others provide more specific advice! 

Or paying off my debt, while I provide them with a nice house to live in instead of an apartment. 

Those that cannot weather the storm get wiped out.Having cashflow positive properties provides a margin of safety you just do not have with negative cashflow.Why are you focused on buying in your backyard? 

It all depends on the situation.

We're willing to live almost anywhere in the greater Sacramento area based on what we can afford, provided of course that the property is in a decent neighborhood that has a good chance of attracting responsible tenants.As for budget, I believe we could get a conventional loan for properties up to $600k, but my strong preference is to find a distressed property (or seller!)