In most of those cases, their broker took a high fee and the investor didn't end up with a great deal.Here are a couple of things that are a tipoff you are not working with a broker with your interests at heart (1) they want to pull your credit before having a conversation, or (2) they send you a long list of things you need to provide them before learning about you and your deal.The conversation should start with why you are interested in REI, then understanding your strategy to get there.

This is a great area with plenty of opportunities to grow as an investor.Feel free to reach out if you ever want to chat about deals, strategies, or just connect with other local investors.

I’ve focused mainly on Florida but have also looked at options in Sacramento and other slightly more remote locations in CA.While I’m familiar with value-add strategies (ADUs, renovations or storage rentals), these seem like heavy lifts for modest gains.

Or is it better to utilize different strategies?

Generally it's a mix between (a) spec builders, the type who specialize in doing in-fill lot's (b) investors, as it is a normalized flip strategy (c) owner occupants, especially in high desire neighborhoods, who are a-ok with taking on the project and even some are excited that they get to build a new home in often old neighborhoods. 

It’s an invaluable resource for figuring out the best strategies for your goals.

Prioritize stable cash flow, good location, and manageable property condition, while considering strategies like gradual rent increases, expense reduction, and value-add improvements to enhance returns.

DM if you would like to discuss this strategy further. 

But the lawsuit reveals details that are hard to ignore: emails, phone calls, and even group meetings allegedly used to share strategies for keeping rents high.

If yu claim one it doesn't void the option to claim the other one.Provided you meet the IRS requirements for both, as a tax strategy, you could complete exclude a portion of capital gains under Section 121 and then defer the remaining capital gains under Section 1031 (@Dave Foster is a great resource for 1031 exchange). ..