They can ensure everything is safe and, if you attend the inspection, they can educate you on what to watch for.

And in a severe duty application like renting to section 8, you probably have to do that every 30 years.In other words, your portfolio carries a $1,320,000 future liability ($60k x 22), which equals about 22 years of present-day cash flow.

Do one task at a time in each app so you can compare apples to apples.Load a property with pictures and details.Market that property.See what your marketing looks like from the public's perspective.Submit a fake application to see how easy the process is.

The city made me conform to their exact permit application process which was burdensome and frustrating.

Even with that, I think we will still be way ahead. 2 bed, 1 bath, 1200sq/ft, detached 1 car garagePurchase Price: $38,000Repairs: $20,000ARV: $96,000 (based off Zillow, but a local real estate agent thought that was pretty accurate)Mortgage: $430Insurance: $55Trash Included: $25Rent: $1,000We are now going through applications for our first tenant. 

Here are a few to watch out for:Property Condition: Most distressed properties need extensive repairs or renovations, which add to your initial investment.Competitive Market: With Phoenix's popularity among investors, competition for the best deals can be intense.Complex Deals: Foreclosures, auctions, or short sales are much more complicated compared to regular real estate transactions and usually require specialized knowledge.Tips to Successfully Navigate the MarketDo Your Research: Understand the local market conditions, including neighborhood trends, property values, and potential rental income.Build a Strong Network: Work with professionals who specialize in distressed properties-such as brokers, contractors, and legal experts-to make the best decisions.Assess Costs Carefully: Factor in the cost of repairs, holding costs, and any potential financing issues when evaluating a property’s profitability.Be Patient: Finding the right distressed property takes time.

Here's a video with some tips, but I recommend you watch several videos, read some blogs, and educate yourself on what to look for in a brokerage:

As you read these books, watch the BiggerPockets podcasts.

Payed for the so called free CD/DVD stuff and all of the sudden they are charging me $40 and $98 a month for something I never signed up for.You got to watch these gurus they like to sucker people in with these free CD's,etc but in reality it's a scam to drain you of monthly charges for something you never asked or signed up for.People like that belong in jail.

I've read numerous guides and watched many YouTube videos, so I have a good theoretical understanding, but I'm still unsure about the best way to start investing in U.S. real estate.My plan is to begin with long-term rental properties and then eventually move into flipping and the BRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) strategy.