Focus on long-term rentals in affordable markets with reliable cash flow, and steer clear of high-cost flips, lower-class properties, or overleveraging in areas that rely solely on appreciation.Good luck!

But if this is purely an investment, the high maintenance fee is a major concern.Now, let’s look at what happens in the next 5 years:Refinance After 5 Years: Assuming 4% appreciation, your property value will increase to $1,216,653.

@Jacob W. land market in FL is highly competitive.

Owner ended up settling with the tenant, but then we had to threaten to sue our own client to get them to pay our legal fees.- Owner must sign a Hold Harmless to indemnify us against any potential tenant lawsuits relating to the work their contractor is doing.--- Another lawsuit resulted from owner's contractor taking down basement handrail to get supplies down the steps, then they didn't put it back and tenant fell down the stairs.- We also negotiate a reasonable completion date, depending on the Scope Of Work (SOW). --- Who gets all the phone calls and wastes time calming a tenant down because the owner's contractor doesn't show up as scheduled after they took time off from work or a 3 day job takes 3 weeks?

You’re right, those factors (especially healthcare) and job opportunities for my spouse as an OT are just as important.The Midwest has been high on my list, not just for investment potential but also as a place I’m excited to explore.

Post Dodd Frank sellers have continued the same bad practice of selling houses to occupants with financing at selling prices that are way high, can't be justified via any type of 3rd party valuation (appraisal, zestimate, tax value, even recent sales in the same area).   

However, some amenities consistently deliver high value because they attract more bookings, increase nightly rates, or result in better guest reviews.

These buyers are playing the long game—betting on rising property values and rents, which offsets initial breakeven or negative cash flow.If you’re starting out, I strongly recommend focusing on single-family homes in neighborhoods at the high end of the "low-end market" spectrum.

I'd say the amount of time for the labor seems high.

You'll be competing on price with owner occupants who are not running the arithmetic like an investor, so you'll often end up overpaying and losing out on any potential cashflow.I'm also 25, and it's great to see other young guys getting started and building wealth.