Additionally, involve a real estate attorney to ensure the transaction aligns with legal requirements and protects both parties’ interests.

Starting with an owner-occupied duplex is a great way to get into real estate investing while keeping things manageable.

Does anyone know how insurance companies evaluate these properties and whether or not real value can be realized for insurance for renovation? 

It is important to remember that a solid agent is not just opening doors for you, their biggest value would be in the negotiations and right now, buyers have a real advantage if one knows how to go about it.

You can make a real case for either decision, so - and I can't believe I'm saying this - do what feels good.

Start with the Arizona Department of Real Estate website and verify credentials, search licensees by entering their names. 

Often, buyers will make the mistake of selecting an already themed home that looks ok in the real estate listing.

Besides that, just wanted to chime in real quick - I'd highly check in with a CPA and I am no tax expert, so wanted to preference that.

Hello BP's:We're looking to start building our real estate portfolio, right now analyzing different market to find the right one for us.We were wondering if anybody has experience in Sherman, TX market?

If this is for real, I strongly suspect you'll need to be an accredited investor.