While the price is important, a successful investment is driven by the ROI.

While 80% of these deals will most likely be terrible, you should be able to find a couple worth walking or offering up on.

I don't think so.

Two of your questions will be more situational and location based.We don’t ever haggle on pricing, although I would suggest being flexibleWe check credit, criminal history and everything that goes along with that, evictions, and income.

Kitchens, Appliances and relocating plumbing for revised kitchen layouts, adding in-unit laundry etc. are what generally drives these apartment renovation budgets assuming the mechanicals don't require complete upgrade or replacement. 

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 don't know anything much about real estate, nor have the money at the moment.

Since I am strictly W-2, would it be smart to consider getting my LLC in order to protect my future investment properties, and while also reaping the tax benefits of having an LLC?""

I don't think $175/month is good in Florida (or anywhere) for 30 percent down, but it also depends on what the rest of the block and area is like and if there is appreciation scale.

I don't think the market will continue to appreciate as it has over the past few years and that equity isn't something I can realize until I sell the property which I don't plan to do.