Quote from @Robert Zajac: 15% markup on maintenance is one of the highest I've heard of.

I'm having a hard time believing that as I've never seen one installed like this. 

Or should I find a property first and hope that no one will get that property under contract right away?

My father is a certified contractor in NJ—he’s built one home, flipped four, and consistently handles upgrades and maintenance for me and his other clients.I’d appreciate any tips or stories from those who’ve turned equity into a profitable venture.

It’s one of the few places where you can realistically achieve solid returns without needing a massive upfront investment.If you’re open to exploring other markets, Detroit might be worth considering.

I understand I can increase liability in each individual landlord policy, but one single umbrella policy is much more cost effective when I have multiple properties.

Live in one half, rent out the other.

Every one just has to remember "We accept ALL applications"

Every flip is like peeling back layers of an onion, but this one came with tears, sweat, and the occasional scream into the void.

There is a single family home that was divided and one half has been rented and an ad on small "house" that has also been rented mostly long term.