A duplex is a great way to start because that renter will help with your monthly out of pocket costs and it's a convenient way to get into real estate investing.

I'm finding when I look at a given property, I get inaccurate comps in two ways: 1st, a property will show up in the list as a comp to my subject property but have a REALLY low sale value; upon investigation I find that the property acutally hasn't sold in 10+ years but PropStream thought it was comp; 2nd, a property will show up as "Sold" in the MLS status, but all ownership and transaction history tab don't reflect the new data.

@Alex Saidenstat what are the odds you'll get a 12 month performing tenant in a $65k house?

and then getting a standard mortgage after that vs. getting a construction loan to pay during the build and then convert. 

I have been working with many people who are just trying to get started with real estate investing.

I really wanted to get a second duplex because I knew the sooner I got out the sooner I would be cash flowing.

"How do I get started in CA?"

Hi Gege, I would recommend listening to some of the podcasts from BiggerPockets, they really help a lot when you are getting started.

You're young and have plenty of time to get it right.

In the past there were other cases with no heta on a Saturday night and we had somebody out to fix that night and get the heat back the same night.