So small update on here, I managed to carve some time to begin to set things up to spring board for a deal in the next 2-3 months.

Then pay them a fee for finding the deal and pay them 8-10% of rents to manage the rental(s).

I’ve seen folks pivot their plans quickly if they discover one city has friendier permit processes than another.And yeah, the Phoenix area has some really down to earth investor meetups, from what I’ve heard, that can help you level up fast.What aspect of the business are you most excited to tackle first.. managing construction, or scouting out those under the radar leads?

. - PM provides a cash based accounting report every month, for every unit under management, that clearly labels all rent, all expenses, including management fees, and the net directly ties to the amount of money deposited into my bank account.- PM is a licensed handyman, or has them on staff, and takes care of most unit turn work at a reasonable rate. - PM has no breakup/termination fee- PM does not take project management fees, except on large or complicated CapEx projects exceeding $5,000. 

I want to remain local in NJ or at most drive down 1hr to PA (self-manage or, last resort, hire a PM)However, I must also consider maintaining reserves, a safety net for my primary home, and an emergency fund.It's just hard for a new investor now :(

Investment Info:Office Space commercial investment investment. 100's of completed projects, JC Beal Construction is nearly 100 years in business, Beal Properties manages well over 2000 doors all throughout Michigan and the Toledo, OH area.

Sure, about one in 2000 times, by someone experienced enough to recognize a very unusual situation, having the capacity to act on it, having the financial strength, experience and tract record to be able to attract the needed capital, having the knowledge and ability to structure the deal, having the ability to manage and or reposition the property after purchase, and having the capacity to carry the negative cash flow until turning the property around or obtaining lower cost financing.  

- If so, 1031 into something bigger and easier to manage and then when you pass, the inheritor receives your property(s) at a stepped up basis - subject to Inheritance Tax limits.Otherwise, sell one every 1-5 years when you need the cash, so you can plan expenses to offset capital gains.

I've narrowed down the best return for my money in this market to a 2 bed/2 bath (with top tier amenities) - about 500 total 2/2 listings.I'm finding myself a bit stuck when analyzing why certain properties are making so much higher than the average listings when they seem to have very similar locations, amenities, style, flow of home, beds/# of people they sleep, reviews, number of reviews, etc.

The annual 2% management fee comes out before you get your principal back.