Or like California a RE Broker like myself or Consumer finance license all which are regulated by the state .

Focus on smaller single-family homes, condos with low HOA fees, or multi-family properties in these regions, and build a reliable local team of agents, property managers, and other professionals to ensure a smooth investing experience.

I understand the crime concerns, but why do you think traditional financing is risky?

I just wanted to get into real estate investing and this property was in great area.

Does anyone know how insurance companies evaluate these properties and whether or not real value can be realized for insurance for renovation? 

Quote from @Sarah Ali: The seller has a contract with the agent, which means they can't legally sell the property without compensating the agent.

Purchase price: $600,000 Cash invested: $30,000 Purchased single family home, finished basement making the property a duplex.

Our lender has informed us that we need 12 months of rental history to use the actual rent for financing purposes, or we must rely on the appraiser's fair market short term rental value.

Then any rental income you could obtain from that property could be used as an income source for loan pre-qualification.

do you acquire these properties off the MLS ?