I also have stumbled across a guy on TikTok (I know, I know) who claims he got into real estate investing by developing relationships by completing inspections for investors and essentially picking their brains on the business side of things.

For backyard porch columns, pressure-treated lumber is a good pick because it’s budget-friendly and stands up to rot and insects.

So, if you have like 500k in cash and you're looking at projects like picking it up for 80k putting 60k into it and getting its value over 200k and either sell or refi and get your 140k back, then I'd say yes use the cash. 

Which makes sense because I can still be in the same ballpark price wise as a hotel to pick up those 2 guest stays (presumably mostly couples, but not always), with the added value of everything a SFR provides. 

Its hard to pick an area as all areas have different pros and cons, for example some are heavy cashflow positive but lack appreciation.

I've heard of mentees who started cleaning up construction areas on a flip at the end of each work day or picking up supplies at Home Depot and delivering them to the job site.

We have all had people help us find the success we have had and are willing to pass along the info we have picked up.

Then there is location and views.I agree but when 100 other places are in great locations too, picking the best amenities that have the highest ROIs is important  let’s say you only had a limited budget and needed to pick the best amenities.

Also pick your brains about some of the deals i found.

Newer ones (2008+) are suffering from seasonality now but will pick it up in Q3-Q4: if you look at historical data, Miami Dade county has always had seasonality low volumes during summer time, due to hurricane season, holidays and less tourists visiting.