My team personally has pivoted to more local affordable housing with local and county grants and incentives and we'll leave the more complex LIHTC deals to the big firms.  

Appreciate any advice or insights from experienced landlords or investors!

@Brandon Croucier is giving you solid info on finding an experienced and honest mortgage broker who can shop your exact scenario both ways, with the rehab and without and break down the benefits of each with all fees so you can see an apples to apples comparison. 

I suggest gradually assembling a reliable maintenance team that includes HVAC, plumbing, and other essential services.Tenants are responsible for providing access to the property.

It would be nice to know the opinion of other experienced investors in Japan.

The forums are full of experienced investors who are happy to share advice and tips to help you succeed.Best,Jarret

Definitely willing to go out of state but really need to feel confident in my team wherever that is.

I've experienced it everytime myself.

Build a strong team, including agents, lenders, and property managers, and use tools like the BiggerPockets calculator to analyze deals.

.✔ Hire a Professional Property Manager – An experienced property manager can market the listing more effectively, screen tenants, and minimize vacancy, which is especially useful for a new investor.✔ Invest in Professional Photos – High-quality photos and a well-written listing can significantly improve interest, especially in a slower rental season.✔ Ensure All Basic Maintenance Issues Are Addressed – A rental sitting on the market is a great time to check for leaks, HVAC performance, paint touch-ups, and deep cleaning to make sure it’s move-in ready.