something that seems to surprise new investors is that transacting real estate is expensive.in Pittsburgh transfer taxes are 5%, usually split between buyer and seller. 

Prior to 1976 they were considered pre-HUD. 

For example, I have two STR high-income earners (making 140k & 150k) in Joshua Tree for sale with low expenses, where the sellers will stay on to manage it.Making sure you are keeping as much as possible from the tax man is a huge component and to do so you usually have to invest it.

My last Tax Deeded Property returned 233% ROI.

But I also love the idea of investing in real-estate and utilizing its tax benefits I have read around 10 ish books or so and the one I am reading right now recommended this site I am looking for some advice of things I can do to either prep for an investment into real estate and or do right now.

They don't all offer the same servicers (default management, document services, tracking of taxes and insurance, escrows, etc.), but I am with you that communication and competency are key.

States like CA, NY, CT, NJ, MD are notorious for high sale price homes, higher taxes and hard to cash flow.

to pay out monthly rent to prior investors.

I cant make this up.When I had finally arrived for the last time, I had come to find out two days prior to my arrival he went to shut off the water to the house.

What are you doing differently this year based on the current market climate than in prior years?