.: I'm very new to this and would love to get your thoughts on this and are there any downsides to the process?

Are you asking about a real estate license (realtor/agent) or a business license?

What off-market really means is that the seller refuses to sign an exclusive listing agreement with an agent but tells the agent if they bring them a buyer, they'll payout a commission.

Would you recommend this strategy to a new investor like myself?

I recently spoke to a realtor in the poconos, in particular regarding Masthope and he said obtaining a str permit is very hard now, if not impossible.

We have tons of new apartment complexes, so renting out apartments in quads is taking longer since they offer less amenities.

Quote from @Michael Evans: What steps do you go through to secure vacant rental properties in rough neighborhoods after a tenant leaves and you're waiting to turn the property over?

I found this one on realtor.com by doing a search that only showed me properties with asking prices no higher than $150k

Also, stay away from Insula Capital AKA Atlantic Capital Holdings out of New York (Long Island) I didn't lose $200,000 but lost $10,000 plus on a deal they gave us a funding letter for $300,000 cash for a flip we were purchasing.

Did you give her written permission to store personal items outside in a common area?