*I'm not a CPA or tax pro of any sort.

If they aren't able to reduce your taxes then they don't get paid.I assume they are selective about which appeals they will take on since there is no benefit to them or the homeowner to not be able to win an appeal, but I have no knowledge of their internal business logic. 

I've had negative experiences with a bad general contractor and a non-paying renter (leading to an eviction), so I'm being extra cautious in selecting the right lender this time.Could anyone recommend a trustworthy lender in the Los Angeles area who can guide me through this difficult time?

To avoid going through the same poor experience, keep reading.Even if someone gives you a referral here, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that the PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

Some sort of owner occupied strategy (house hack or live in flip) is probably your best bet for a first investment.

To avoid going through the same poor experience, keep reading.Even if someone gives you a referral here, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that the PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

I'm new to the community and looking to buy a foreclosure as my primary residence and my first BRRR (of sorts)I am a General Contractor so the repairs do not scare me at all.

@Charlene Livers, this sort of depends on what you mean by financing and large scale.Are you looking to be the private lender to someone else's flip?  

You'll want to have an idea of how you handle utilities, and I've heard of the owner covering a weekly house cleaning to keep the peace sort of thing.  

Hi BP Community,I’m looking to refine my real estate investment strategy and want to make sure I’m on the right track.Here are a few areas I’m focusing on:Property Selection: How do you choose the right type of property for your goals?