Like stated in later in this forum things are not quite as harsh as down south but you still have “California” to deal with lol.I will look into Ohio and start analyzing properties locally/OOS and see if I can find decent deals in Ohio.

I would not go down the rabbit hole of worrying.

They often have different vendors introduce themselves so you can build your team and they often have a local member do a case study on one of their properties to share the ins, outs, ups, and downs of the investment.

I have down an owner financed deal in 2024 and still actively use a HELOC in support of my flipping.  

What is the best strategy in your opinion to niche down on a target audience in any given market?

If you are going to be an owner-occupant, want a low down payment, and are planning to do a renovation, the FHA 203k and Fannie May Homestyle loans are your best optionsHow do you know the property is currently upside down on the mortgage? 

@Jordyn Ohsnot enough info to helpbut if you're using a HELOC for the down payment AND getting a loan, then you're probably negative cash flow given that's 100% leveragei would never do that unless i were going to refinance in the short term

I've narrowed down the best return for my money in this market to a 2 bed/2 bath (with top tier amenities) - about 500 total 2/2 listings.I'm finding myself a bit stuck when analyzing why certain properties are making so much higher than the average listings when they seem to have very similar locations, amenities, style, flow of home, beds/# of people they sleep, reviews, number of reviews, etc.

Do you have a price range (or down payment target) and are you ok with some rehab or do you prefer turn key?

I give thumbs down on anything that uses real wood.