@Ezra Avery you might want to read below to understand Classes of Property/Tenants.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?

Goes back to that original thesis in a thread long time ago-- quality over quantity.

BiggerPockets also has a calculator to analyze deals, and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.

Hard money and private investing are both ways to finance flips, but they work a little differently.Hard money loans are typically from companies or private lenders that specialize in short-term, high-interest loans.

Focusing solely on numbers often leads to the purchase of low-quality properties.

I am a general contractor that specializes in kitchen remodels and high end custom cabinetry, but I'd like to use this project to pivot into more general contracting and property development. 

Be prepared for a high rate/high fees 

I mean I highly doubt( but sure there will be other who say otherwise just because) you will find a very good investment property listed on MLS or other publically available service.On a side note if I did have aprroximatley 400k equity in two of my homes could I use any of that to invest in another property?

Focus on long-term rentals in affordable markets with reliable cash flow, and steer clear of high-cost flips, lower-class properties, or overleveraging in areas that rely solely on appreciation.Good luck!

So sad...... what is scary too is they only have them 10-20% contained and they are expected to get high winds again which can carry those embers pretty far. you also have to think these fire fighters etc. have been working around the clock and must be exhausted.