While the taxes on the listing may seem reasonable if it turns out they’re 300% more than they were two years ago just because the community has increased its spending this is a trend that will quickly make your cash flow evaporate.

Purchase price: $655,000 Cash invested: $40,000 Sale price: $770,000 Purchase and hold.

I plan on getting a property every year until I retire if I can find a good deal that cash flows positively.I have a very close friend whose stationed in Columbus GA whose a real estate investor and owns rentals there!

Most Hard Money lenders may also require you to have the investment property under contract, in order for them to feel confident you won't try to sue them and you can pay them off either by selling or refinancing  the property you are using the cash out proceeds for.

Here are some trends that could play out, or further develop in 2025.Leasing & Tenant Experience AI-Powered Leasing: Chatbots and AI tools will streamline leasing processes, from answering tenant inquiries to scheduling tours.Virtual Tours & Digital Leasing: These will become even more standard, making it easier for tenants to rent remotely.TechnologySmart Property Management: IoT devices (smart locks, thermostats, etc.) will become more common, improving efficiency and tenant satisfaction.Property Management Software: Platforms will integrate more AI for predictive maintenance, rent collection, and financial reporting.SustainabilityGreen building practices and energy-efficient upgrades will be a major focus, driven by tenant demand and potential incentives.AI & AutomationAI will play a bigger role in tenant screening, rent pricing optimization, and even predicting market trends.Automation will handle repetitive tasks like maintenance requests and lease renewals, freeing up PMs for higher-level activities.I'm sure there are plenty more shifting trends that I haven't mentioned and that are sure to evolve over the next year. 

Step 1: Ensure you can get financing (is it a cash purchase or will you need a loan). 

I’d recommend starting with rental arbitrage to get your feet wet and generate some positive cash flow.While I haven’t personally done rental arbitrage, some of my employees have, and they found it to be profitable.However, as a long-term strategy, you’re essentially building your castle on someone else’s land.

Purchase price: $225,000 Cash invested: $40,000 Sale price: $375,000 Bought a large 4 bedroom pool home and flipped

If anybody local (especially other wholesalers) or anybody else even out of my market wants to connect, feel free to reach out!

I looked at a few auctions  in the past, but they were cash only.Good luck!