Quote from @David Young: My wife and I are new to this and are saving for our first property our goal is to start looking for properties in November 25, we have a couple questions, would it be wise to invest out of state for our first time investment (we do plan on physically going to see the properties to potentially invest in) ? 

I am happy to share that I recently came across a solution called Property Llama that is a huge step forward for folks like us..

Louis area and I work for Remax Best Choice.I used the cash-flow calculator to check the 6 properties we just closed on.

Building a strong team (agent, contractor, lender, property manager) is key—seek referrals from experienced investors.

If the property is considered non-warrantable, you should still be able to do a standalone 2nd mortgage at 75-80% CLTV on an owner occupied nonqm 2nd mortgage. 

It's a free country, you can run your business how you see fit:)That doesn't really work for self-managing property owners or what investors want from the PMCs they hire.So, yes we find solid contractors at Home Depots on Saturday mornings.When's the last time you've been at a Home Depot during that time period?

Quote from @Peter Dukaj: Troy, Birmingham, and Royal Oak does not compare to vacant Detroit properties Yes, Peter.

This is why its difficult if not impossible to sell a STR for any more than property value - the market perceives that the additional profitability of a STR doesn't belong to the STR operator - it belongs to the App platform.If you can migrate to "independence", i.e. self generated business, then not only will you have a long term sustainable business, but a good chance to sell the STR for a substantial premium to real property value. 

**Mesa's Eastmark area** - Strong school districts driving family demand Property Types in DemandThe most profitable flips currently involve:- 3-4 bedroom single-family homes built between 1970-1990- Properties with pool potential (but without existing pools)- Homes with generous lot sizes that allow for expanding square footage Renovation Trends That SellPhoenix buyers in 2025 are particularly drawn to:- **Energy efficiency upgrades** - With Arizona's extreme temperatures, smart thermostats, improved insulation, and energy-efficient windows offer significant appeal- **Outdoor living spaces** - Covered patios, pergolas, and native landscaping that requires minimal water- **Modern desert aesthetic** - Clean lines, earth tones, and natural materials that connect to the Sonoran landscape- **Flexible spaces** - Home offices or multi-purpose rooms that accommodate remote work Challenges to Navigate Water ConcernsThe ongoing drought situation means water-conscious renovations are no longer just trendy—they're essential.

We haven't considered the acquisition/rehab of an existing property yet.