Quote from @David Cherkowsky: Hi All,I purchased an investment property in the middle of last year and to this point have been using 0.75*lease value in my DTI calculation.

I purchased flood insurance on a Zone A property in July this past year on a house that had previously flooded. 

If I were in your shoes, I’d focus on house hacking in Phoenix by exploring multi-family properties or using the BRRRR strategy with undervalued single-family homes.

Quote from @Nicholas Goerss: Hello all,I am getting ready to start looking at lender for my second conventional mortgage to buy my second property.

**Mesa's Eastmark area** - Strong school districts driving family demand Property Types in DemandThe most profitable flips currently involve:- 3-4 bedroom single-family homes built between 1970-1990- Properties with pool potential (but without existing pools)- Homes with generous lot sizes that allow for expanding square footage Renovation Trends That SellPhoenix buyers in 2025 are particularly drawn to:- **Energy efficiency upgrades** - With Arizona's extreme temperatures, smart thermostats, improved insulation, and energy-efficient windows offer significant appeal- **Outdoor living spaces** - Covered patios, pergolas, and native landscaping that requires minimal water- **Modern desert aesthetic** - Clean lines, earth tones, and natural materials that connect to the Sonoran landscape- **Flexible spaces** - Home offices or multi-purpose rooms that accommodate remote work Challenges to Navigate Water ConcernsThe ongoing drought situation means water-conscious renovations are no longer just trendy—they're essential.

I’m a real estate broker, Investor, and property manager in Lee County.

On the journey, I once sold properties that were 30 minutes away as being too far, and also managed some properties that were 200 miles away. 

Building a strong team (agent, contractor, lender, property manager) is key—seek referrals from experienced investors.

@Jason Munns, are you looking to buy investment properties in the U.S. or Canada?

I would suggest look for a property management company to manage the property for you and slowly increase the rent yearly before selling.