With the income issue, there are screening systems available that verify income by having applicants securely log in to their payroll provider, which then shares their gross and net income with you.

I don't have the skill set YET to gauge rehab costs and try to BRRRR, but I'd like to learn.This is definitely a choice but my option is that you will do better if you focus on duplexes and cherry-pick a few SFRs as you come across them.As for your Strengths, it sounds like you have an excellent ability to save and your ability to bulk analyze data will serve you well to identify big-picture areas, property types, and characteristics to focus on.I like that you realize the first investment will not be your best investment.

Keeping your license and avoiding any legal issues is probably worth more than this one transaction.

The one issue for most first-time buyers is that these properties will often end up needing to be rehabbed. 

The only issue we have run into is the prices and bidding wars.Every single home we have looked at for personal use or an investment seems to have 5+ offers and go MUCH over asking.We are currently looking at Bay Park / Clairemont / Carlsbad / Oceanside. 

Unfortuantely, things happen that are out of your control.The insurance issue is such an important takeaway.

@Olga K.It doesn’t necessarily confirm the sewer line is completely blocked—it might just be an issue with the internal plumbing or fixtures.

If you want appreciation, identify markets with expanding industries, positive growth trends, and bright economic forecasts.Columbus, Ohio is a great market to consider if you're looking for appreciation markets that still cash flow.

The enforcing agency certainly cannot take action against an unpermitted unit without citing a specific health and safety issue to address.  

The issue you will have is that finding out what a property actually rented for is difficult.