This past year, I purchased my first two rental properties in San Antonio (SFR) and Orange Beach, Alabama (STR).

Doing so may be considered illegal retaliation and could lead to legal consequences.It's crucial for both landlords and tenants to be aware of their rights and responsibilities regarding rent increases to ensure a fair and legal process is followed.

Before seeking out a lender, it's crucial to assemble the rest of your team.

When searching for landlord-friendly areas, it's crucial to consider local regulations, tenant laws, and the overall rental market's health.

Understanding the potential rental income is crucial in assessing the profitability of the investment.Expenses: Do you have a clear understanding of all the expenses associated with owning the duplex?

As you mentioned, patience is crucial in navigating a competitive market.

.👥 Networking & Relationships: Building relationships is crucial in real estate.

But as an experienced agent and investor (I own several properties across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and Kern Counties), I can tell you that no state beats California for appreciation and rental prices.

For example, a house I owned in Orange County reached a top value of $700,000 in 2007, and I owed around $200,000 on it and it rented for $2,000.00 a month. 

However, keep in mind that Portland’s market can be more challenging to navigate due to higher property prices and stricter regulations.As you’re building your team, especially in regards to contractors and hard money lenders, it's crucial to vet the contacts you get from wholesalers or other sources thoroughly.