Asking for charity right out of the gate when entering a new career is dangerous and you have an opportunity to nip that bad habit of his in the bud.

The strategy is basically acquire the property, make it habitable, put a renter in for two years and then continue renting or resell.

The most efficiently do this is to outsource that vital task to a consumer reporting agency (CRA) that specializes in background checks and here is why:  A CRA must conduct Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) compliant background checks.

Many times there are poor money management habits that have been entrenched for years and generations prior to your monthly rent payment .  

What are the daily habits that have helped you become a successful real estate investor?

@Jay Hinrichs is absolutely correct that having a good lender, with a good reputation is vital in a competitive housing market.

It's a good habit to shop around for insurance, just like you would do with other things. 

How to books are important but more critical are books that teach you how to think. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a must or a book I read recently Extreme Ownership will work on you.

The city did not fine the owner of the old violation, but they only asked to bring it to code (convert back to garage), or cancel the garage and pull new permits to make the room habitable and permitted.

I'm 1/3 of the way through (actually have my first of three (class) tests this coming Monday).To support my real estate habit, I actively listen to (of course) BP podcasts.