Initially, I was using Quickbooks (QB) and then when I go a couple more properties and multiple LLCs it was difficult to manage on QB and required multiple QB subscriptions and this got expensive.

The way I see it is most homes will cost you 25% down and renovations out of state will be difficult or very expensive so the ability to force appreciation becomes tough.  

I also looked at cheaper markets because I'm just getting started in my real estate investing career, so it's just more realistic for me to go into a cheaper that's more likely to cash flow for now (I want to enter San Diego market eventually, but it'll likely be a few years)3.

Hey Anne--It certainly can be difficult navigating the real estate investment market alone for your first time. 

Quote from @Julia Lyrberg: Hi Csingh, Sorry to hear about the tenant issues—that can definitely be a difficult experience.

it's all difficult, i think =) good thread.Would you call it difficult, or easy, to go pick out a target area this weekend.

Extremely difficult to pass and I bet you didn't know that you had to get it reinspected again in three years.

Typically financing for investment properties are difficult if it's irrevocable.

I have been both an active and a passive investor and I have better results in passive investing - even through this difficult market.The key, in my opinion, to any kind of investing is to understand the type of investing you are doing, the goals you have and the current state of the market. 

However, I’m wondering if it’s worth the time and effort, especially at this stage of my career.