If you're expecting property owners to sell their home to you at a discount, you'll need to earn their trust - whether that be by demonstrating a successful track record with purchasing/selling similar deals OR by meeting them face to face and separating yourself from the dozens of local investors and realtors.Lastly, I'd recommend searching past posts related to this topic as well as checking out books related to your target investment strategies.All the best!

The area has appreciated very well over the past couple of years and we bought cheaper than we probably should have been able to, again through timing and where the builder was at on things- some of their other projects that were like ours in the same neighborhood were purchased a month later for $25,000 more than what we paid.

Good luck in your search.

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

Since your metric is modest cash flow with long-term appreciation, focus on neighborhoods with a history of steady growth and tenant stability.As a realtor, you already have the skills to analyze deals—so trust your instincts and take action!

Many of us are out in the neighborhood of $130K.

I'd go ahead and list it.There are many past posts on how to improve your search list placement such as making frequent changes to listing and updating pictures.

I remember back when I was ramping up my own rental portfolio in those early-2000s San Diego days, I learned the hard way that ignoring “little” costs..like that termite treatment or the property manager’s onboarding fee..can turn what looked like a sweet deal into something that barely breaks even.Let’s say you pick up a property in one of those under-the-radar neighborhoods in Omaha or maybe on the south side of Chicago..markets I’ve seen a few colleagues dabbling in lately..you’ve got to be ready to get real about the numbers.

You've earned $132,000 more by splitting your money and leveraging it.Since I've been searching for more deals I have seen one or two that might actually cash flow decently but most seem to be at break even assuming normal expenses, vacancies, etc.I'm just learning my comfort levels with leveraging and trying to take advice from others about managing multiple low cash flow properties vs. one higher value one.