Feel free to inquire about their staff qualifications if it's a larger organization.2.

Stay hyperlocal and get a good team in place locally so you can recognize good people when you find them. 

I am new to real estate investing and looking to connect with any local investor.

If you have $210,000, you can easily make 10% as a bridge/hard money lender in your local area.

One thing I’ve noticed is how many licensed agents don’t fully understand the contracts they’re using or the local real estate laws.

Look for a local credit union that can offer a cash-out refinance once the work is done, ideally with minimal seasoning.

Detroit is very much a block-by-block city, so having local knowledge is absolutely critical.

@Anade DavisHi Anade, You’re on the right track with reaching out to your survey and engineering company—they often have strong connections to local contractors.

Discovery: I found this property through a local wholesaler specializing in off-market deals.

@Joshua Piche with little experience, it's better that you invest locally vs OOS - unless you want to invest a LOT of time learning another market and networking with th right people.Locally, look for a 2-4 unit property that will qualify for FHA 203(k) financing. - This will allow low down payment and the 203(k) allows repairs to be financed into the purchase mortgage.- The 203(k) will allow you to bid on properties that need repairs that won't qualify for a traditional mortgage => less competition => better purchase price.You will need to find a great local contractor you can trust to supply the required bids to qualify for the 203(k).- After closing, you can do some of the work yourself to save money, but the program doesn't allow you to pay yourself.You will want to buy a Class B property, maybe Class C+, in an area that seems to be improving.