Also critical are location the "right" tenant, minimizing vacancy, and developing an efficient low-cost property management model.In order to grow, similar to other investors on BP, I also use cash-out refis and investor equity partners.

Management is a critical factor and that will not be accurately assessed without experience and historical data, these aspects aren't available to private parties.

LOLIf I was looking the first most critical question is do they specialize in the TYPE of asset class that I want to sell or buy??

Marketing is not just about posting the property's photos and information on various marketing channels, they must also follow up on each lead and get potential clients into the property and get them to submit completed applications.Prospective Tenant ScreeningProper tenant screening is critical to finding good tenants.

Early on, it's critical to document your assumptions until your ballpark estimates are pretty accurate.Hope this helps.Rick

Important to find someone good, as they will know how to handle critical pieces, like the hardship letter and budget, and MOST importantly, helping to get a low BPO by highlighting everything bad about the property and neighborhood to the BPO agent or appraiser.Of course, you'll need proof of funds or financing pre-approval to submit with your offer.

Any help or CONSTRUCTIVE criticism is welcome.Looking forward to hearing from you all as well as sharing what I can.

What strategies did you employ and what kind of investing did you do to hit critical mass?

Praise in public...............criticize in private.

@Vanessa Ryder  I echo many of the same sentiments above + a few additional thoughts:- Screening is still your best tool and critically important if you are acknowledging that you are investing in Section 8 for the cash flow (vs long-term appreciation).