A couple of thoughts specific to condo investing:1) Be sure to include the condo fees into your cashflow analysis, and budget for potential assessments as projected capital expenses2) Make sure the condo association is solvent - a good litmus test is whether or not the units are approved for FHA financing3) Make sure the condo association rules/regs allow for rentalsGood luck!

.### Market AnalysisPerform a comparative market analysis to understand the local real estate market.

When working with Civil Engineering, Is it best to simple pick on firm and go with them, Or is the 3 quote rule in effect at this stage of the process? 

@Ted Barrettyour analysis is roughly correct. 

A qualified professional appraiser will generate a comprehensive analysis considering factors such as sales comparisons, highest and best use, market conditions, and income generated following Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice guidelines.

While this approach works in the early stages, there comes a time when consolidating all your properties' insurance into a single, scheduled program might be more beneficial.

Thinking about a duplex, live in one and rent the other to a section 8 tenant, any local landlords that can give advice on rent analysis?

If you’re looking to build REAL wealth, then leverage of one type or another is necessary.Debt is one type of leverageSyndicators leverage investors capital as equityStart up companies leverage Venture Capitalists investments in both equity and debt.The real estate investor has 3 distinct “cycles” with debt leverage1st stage is debt secured by real estate but also personally guaranteed and often cross collaterialized2nd stage is debt secured by real estate but liability not personally guaranteed and recourse limited to specific property.3rd stage is debt free If you own units in a syndicated real property investment and the investment is leverage by debt you may not think of it as YOUR debt because you’re a passive investor, but your investment is encumbered by debt the same as property you own individually IF you haven’t personally guaranteed the debt.  

Consider hiring a professional photographer or even staging the home to make it stand out

If a lender isn’t responsive during the initial stages, I’ve learned that’s a strong indicator that it’ll be a painful process all the way to closing.