So, there is even more risk.The things that you can do, include being properly capitalized, not be greedy, (in whichever way that may be defined in the county you are buying), know solicitation laws, know Dodd-Frank, the Consumer Protection Act, the S.A.F.E.

I don't see an exact location in the OP, but if this is even remotely considered rural, you are adding another LTV reduction. 

My focus leans more toward equity appreciation than cash flow, and as a rookie investor, I’m aiming to put aside about $25-30k for investments each year.In the meantime, I’m looking to connect with like-minded folks here for mentorship, partnerships, apprenticeships, and even collaborations.Would love to hear your thoughts, advice, or anything you think might help as I continue piecing everything together!

@John Lasher If you are still looking to spend $20k-$30K for a coach, I would be happy to take you up on that offer :) For full disclosure,  I will share with you precisely what you can learn online/ perhaps even entirely through these BiggerPockets Forums but that doesn't address the reason why most are still unable to purchase larger assets: creditworthiness and capital relationships.

Even with renovation costs and insurance costs the fix n flips are still making money.  

Post Dodd Frank sellers have continued the same bad practice of selling houses to occupants with financing at selling prices that are way high, can't be justified via any type of 3rd party valuation (appraisal, zestimate, tax value, even recent sales in the same area).   

It puts you in a position to learn the market, build connections, and spot deals before most people even know they exist.

Even better?

Also, focus on 2 years of job/income stability.Class D Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, all cashflow with little, maybe even negative, relative rent & value appreciationVacancy Est: 20%+ should be used to cover nonpayment, evictions & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores under 560 (almost 30% probability of default), little to no good tradelines, lots of collections & chargeoffs, recent evictions.

You should have documented that in writing, but even a text message from him would likely hold up in court.You post the notice and give them the required amount of time.