From not having an attorney draft the docs, to trying to cheat the system with the deed in lieu to not professionally servicing the loan.

Here are a few to watch out for:Property Condition: Most distressed properties need extensive repairs or renovations, which add to your initial investment.Competitive Market: With Phoenix's popularity among investors, competition for the best deals can be intense.Complex Deals: Foreclosures, auctions, or short sales are much more complicated compared to regular real estate transactions and usually require specialized knowledge.Tips to Successfully Navigate the MarketDo Your Research: Understand the local market conditions, including neighborhood trends, property values, and potential rental income.Build a Strong Network: Work with professionals who specialize in distressed properties-such as brokers, contractors, and legal experts-to make the best decisions.Assess Costs Carefully: Factor in the cost of repairs, holding costs, and any potential financing issues when evaluating a property’s profitability.Be Patient: Finding the right distressed property takes time.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

In fact, I help professionals generate leads and streamline operations by assisting with VA hiring, ensuring that time is spent on high-impact activities.• Key Piece of Advice: One thing I wish I’d known sooner is that networking here is about cultivating long-term relationships rather than just quick wins.

There are lots of local REI professionals in the area I’m happy to connect you with.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I have no investment experience, only stock market and IRA’s, but I hope to learn a lot from professionals on this forum.

Matt Scott, Incite Venture Capital and his team can be summarized as follows: over priced, non responsive, non professional agreement breaking, chip on their shoulder and otherwise a bad investment.

Readers should seek professional advice.

By and large, QI's have very high ethical standards, and are sometimes overlooked as the engines of this tax saving tactic.]REPUTATION MARKERS 📊INDUSTRY STANDINGMembership in professional organizationsLeadership roles in FEAEducational contributions to the industryRelationships with major title companiesCLIENT RELATIONSHIPS 👥Testimonials from CPAs and attorneysReferences from title companiesLong-term client relationshipsTransparent fee structuresRELATIONSHIP RED FLAGS 🚩Overly familiar with your realtor/brokerKickback arrangements (illegal!)