Since you and your wife have renovation skills, targeting properties that need minor improvements can maximize your return on investment while minimizing the time and cost associated with major renovations.

It can be easier than cold outreach, especially if you offer them guaranteed rent and hassle-free management.Also, marketing can really help you stand out—whether it’s through listing on multiple platforms, building a solid website, or using social media for direct bookings.

But you’d have to target the <5% that are privately managed by newbies.

This of course depends on your starting bank roll - but if its like mine (under 100k) - Im trying to put as little as possible into it on top of initial equity and fees.this will likely chew a big hole in your ROI  (now if you are looking to improve value with a cash out refi or a great prospect comes along that needs combo new plumbing, roof, windows, foundation repair, etc - well just make sure you know what youre getting into and/or have a good contractor and finger on the pulse of the market when estimating the ARV YOURSELF - couple missed items and you risk having a bad first investment and not doing it again).    7) dont be scared be ambitious ( i should heed my own advice sometimes) 8) define numbers goals within your target areas.  

We found this lead through SMS marketing targeting tired landlords.

I wanted a cohesive, fairly upscale look, so bought new from a variety of places including a local furniture store, Amazon, Wayfair, Target online, Home Depot online, Pottery Barn, Article, and others.

Here’s our OPINION for the Metro Detroit market (use as a template for your target area!)

I'm looking for a bit more dedicated time to analyze for example, my top 3 properties so that's why I'm thinking of paying for his time, since it'll be a bit more targeted and in depth than just an overview of the market. 

It's a lot easier purchasing a site that's ran as a "company" because they have systems in place, they have to, and those can be transferred with staff keeping operations in tact.

The bank could sell these houses so much easier if they protected them just slightly.