The time, effort and amount you will save is typically inconsequential.

Typically in my experience EVERYONE is happy to help.

Typically, the initial upfront for the rehab is either cash or a high interest loan (hard money or private). 

Since this approach relies primarily on true documentation rather than estimates, it is typically the most accurate.

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 1-3 years for positive cashflow, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, immediate cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

Not the typical 2 hour hotel room seminar with high pressure sales reps asking for credit cards etc. 

@Jeff SkinnerRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

These are prime locations, think near downtown or popular tourist destinations where demand for short-term rentals is typically high.

The 1031 is only into like-kind investment real estate and typically is only 1-3 properties and therefore only 1- 3 markets.

Sub to deals are risky for the buyer and typically provide little to no value for the seller.