Run your numbers based on youre required return given what youre likely to have to spend and the amount of headache, risk, and work you have to do.

I have about $300k in equity (based on a BPO performed in July 2023) but no cash.

For context, I'm based in the SF Bay Area in CA and looking into buying my first OOS rental after house hacking locally for 10 years.

You’ll face hurdles like maintaining a steady deal flow, securing funding, managing renovations efficiently, and optimizing your exit strategies.This guide highlights key strategies for investors looking to transition from single deals to a scalable, volume-based distressed property investment model.1.

See the map below for where these zip codes are located.Note: The following charts only include properties in the above zip codes that generally match our property profile: single-family homes featuring 3-4 bedrooms, 2-3 bathrooms, 2-3 car garages, 1,100 to 2,400 square feet of living space, 1 or 2 stories, and lot sizes ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 square feet, built on or after 1985.Appreciation10-Year $/SF by Zip Code 2015-01-01 to 2024-12-31From the above charts, these zip codes appear to appreciate the fastest among our target areas (based on annualized growth rate)89032 (North Las Vegas), 11.0%89015 (Henderson), 10.4%89143 (Centennial Hills), 9.9%89031 (North Las Vegas), 9.8%89138 (Summerlin), 9.4%89141 (Blue Diamond, Southern Highlands), 9.4%89128 (Summerlin), 9.3%89123 (Silverado Ranch), 9.1%89129 (Northwest), 9.1%5-Year Pre-COVID $/SF by Zip Code 2015-01-01 to 2020-03-01The COVID market frenzy and the subsequent dramatic rate hikes significantly distorted price and rent trends.

@Stephanie Menard, a few comments based on my own experience.1.

He is based in Indianapolis and works with a ton of OOS investors.

It's a GA LLC, but we're based out of CA. 

Based on my research, several lenders stand out, but I’d appreciate firsthand experiences.Key Considerations:Loan Terms: Fixed rates up to 35 years, interest-only periods (e.g., 10-year interest-only options), and non-recourse structures.Competitive Rates: Recent transactions show rates ranging from 2.69% to 4.65% depending on LTV (55%–80%) and property type.Lender Specialization: Some lenders excel in specific areas:Greystone and Walker & Dunlop lead in Fannie/Freddie volume and large-scale refinancing.Arbor Realty Trust is praised for smaller-balance loans and flexibility.CREFCOA offers streamlined refinancing with 45–60 day closings and cash-out up to 80% LTV.HUD 223(f) loans provide 35-year fixed terms, ideal for stabilized properties.Questions for the Community:Have you worked with lenders like Greystone, Arbor, or Freddie Mac?

This also helps with tax planning so clients aren't blindsided.The tools/software that clients use is as varied as the clients themselves.