The big issue is people just buy a 3bed2bath and put okay furniture in it and expect to cash flow $5000/month.

For this situation, communicate very clearly and bluntly with the tenants and try to realign expectations so they don’t do this same with you.

If I reach out to a realtor, will they expect me to pay them to collect comps for me? 

Those that still reside are not expecting to stay anyways. 

I remember failing a few times learning the equity markets and fully expect real estate to be as hard, if not harder to navigate.

@Josue RamosRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.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.So, when investing in areas they don’t really know, investors should research the different property Class submarkets.

Probably the most approachable way to get into RE investing (especially if you're younger), but just my opinion :)Things definitely went wrong, but if that's not expected than it's definitely not the right strategy for someone.  

Tenants taking out bonds for a $1,400 security deposit, becoming delinquent after only a few months, then PMs filing claims and expecting payouts.

As long as your project complies with local zoning and design standards, you can expect faster approvals.4.

@Adam OrtizRecommend 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?