Especially since you are looking at properties that are already high value.

I’m currently diving into the real estate world, focusing on finding off market deals and distressed properties as a bird dog.

Quote from @Chris Seveney: Quote from @Jeffrey Farkas: I bought a property in a foreclosure auction.

What are the best areas in Birmingham to flip properties?

Day 1: Securing the Property & PlanningIf you’re getting ready to rehab a house, the first thing you need to do is lock it down and get your paperwork in order.🔹 Step 1: Secure the HouseBefore anything else, slap a lockbox on the door and get some keys made.

.🔹 Property Tax Relief – If your property is severely damaged, you may qualify for reassessment and potential tax refunds.

Just to present an alternative point of view regarding California residents investing in STRs, I'd say the gambit still works and works well.For one thing, you still get to use the Section 263(a) tangible property regulations' de minimis rules, which probably mean you can immediately expense most of the furniture and fixtures in your STR.For another thing, while for your California return you won't be able to use bonus or accelerated depreciation for the personal property, you will still use shorter 5-year and 7-year lives for maybe 25% of the improvements.But the big thing: The federal tax bill is far, far bigger.

I am based in New Zealand and own 4 properties here, but keen to explore investing in the US. 

As an aside, insurance companies are inspecting most properties one way or another in the current market. 

I’d like to discuss it with a realtor, but I’m worried that if I disclose the deal, the realtor could bid against me on the property.