Guys like Pace Morby will tell you it’s not rocket science.The “learn-as-you-go” mindset can lead to costly mistakes that are avoidable with the right foundation.

while still trying to keep up with the competition Do you rely more on direct-to-seller marketing, networking with agents, leveraging platforms like PropStream and Batch Leads, or just by looking at a lot of deals?

However, between the work-from-home ability and the recent crime spike in D.C. post covid, many businesses have moved just outside the city to areas like Alexandria and Arlington, which in their own regard already had thriving business environments.This macro trend, along with the massive amount of economic and infrastructure development happening in Alexandria will lead to massive rent growth and home price appreciation over time. 

Quote from @Veronica Morss: I just finished rehab on my first Cleveland property and we're waiting on the lead certificate to come back which I'm told 30-60 days.

The demographics and map data don't take the students into account, but they're really what's driving the market.Low property values and ever-increasing student rents are a recipe for a market when you can pick up a duplex in decent condition for $150k, and rent it for $500/bed (that's an EGI of $36,000 annually for a 3/3 duplex).

And we rarely need to use them.Tenants sign and initial each page of the condition report at signing, we quickly go through the property and let them take as long as they want.Ideally at move out they would sign the condition report, but this is nor normally done. 

I really liked the condition of the property plus the seller financing helped seal the deal.

Find your cash buyers via propstream, batch leads etc.

Market > Mail > Lead > Analyze > Offer > Acquire > Sell > Rince/Repeat.6.

Selling it for more money than its worth to a borrower who cannot afford it will lead to you needing to foreclose in 3 years and deal with all those headaches and a trashed home.