This property was a foreclosure auction purchase, so minimal information was known.

With a low 4.75% rate but minimal cash flow ($50–$125/month), your equity could likely work harder elsewhere.

By tackling them early on, you minimize the risk of missing critical dates.In my experience, closing a deal within a specific timeframe requires meticulous planning.

@Jack Cottrellyou said you "need properties that I can get at a good deal that cash flow and appreciate while minimizing the trouble commonly associated with real estate"well... yeah, everyone wants those properties. 

Learn the eviction procedure for your area, perhaps contact a lawyer in the field to help you with this one, and get the fraudster you're currently housing out on the sidewalk to sleep in a cardboard box where they belong.You're going to lose plenty of money here, but this will never happen to you again, and you can minimize your losses if you move as quickly as possible.

@Curtis Cutler Avoid cashing out your 401(k)/457 to minimize taxes and penalties, potentially up to 40%.

If you’re serious about bidding, investing in a professional title search is worth it to minimize risk.

This allows new investors to gain experience while minimizing risk and maximizing returns right from the start. 

My top priority is having maximum flexibility with what I can invest in within my HSA, second priority is ease of use and convenience of the investing platform, third is minimizing any account, trading, or management fees charged by the HSA provider. 

@Brian Rocha It’s clear why most lenders insist on including rehab funds in the loan, and all of our partner banks follow this practice for fix-and-flip loans to minimize risk and meet securitization standards.