You the pilot fish get an easy snack or information and lesson and the shark your mentor gets to stay healthy and clean.

After listening to a few (hundred) Podcasts I took some advice and reverse engineered my Ideal Lifestyle. 

Plan on the frugal lifestyle and pay back your secondary funding QUICKLY.

If the property is 2 blocks from a university, in a block that is largely populated by students... rent rates will likely reflect student lifestyles.

I'm kind of surprised I'm healthy! 

Before occupancy, you need to have a thorough inspection (with pictures) done in person that they sign, along with a healthy deposit (no $99 move in specials).

It's been a great learning experience with several healthy headaches, but I'm definitely ready to make a move into a larger home with central AC as Texas temps break the 100's way too often.On the profession side, I spent the past 7 and a half years in insurance, and in mid-2017, I began saving up for the jump to real estate so I could immerse myself in the industry (and hopefully pick up a few good deals along the way).

There certainly are other low barrier markets that have a healthy pool of tenants to choose from.

So, if you're not going to do the work yourself, or if you don't have some magical contractor that can do it cheeper (and better) than anyone else, the only reason not to buy it finished is if the price you get it for, combined with the price you're paying to fix it, combined with a very healthy margin for your risk and the inevitable surprises....

Healthy trees need not be removed.