@Ezra Avery you might want to read below to understand Classes of Property/Tenants.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

Sale Price$171,000 - $55,000 (Rehab) - $13,680 (8% fees) - $40,000 (profit) = $62,320 MAOFrom talking to other investors and doing research, typically a Novation allow more money to the seller, correct? 

I’ve already put down a $2,000 earnest deposit and paid for the inspection and appraisal.This event is unprecedented in the area, as the area is typically low in violence and considered very safe.

Condo's are usually on the cheaper end of cost for appraisal reports, typically not $750 (but if it's a high end condo or in an area with there's some complexity, the fee can reflect that). 

The $380K insurance payout is typically not taxable if used to restore the property.

I accept the need for a competent PM and the reality that competence typically ain't cheap.

@Hiyun Park only experienced investors can DIY everything in Class C Midwest areas like Detroit, Cleveland, St Louis, etc.Hopefully the info below will help you:-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

While I don’t typically work with real estate agents to find deals, I do collaborate with other professionals throughout the process.

The "typical" off market seller is someone who thinks their house is in too rough of condition to sell on-market, but doesn't have the money to fix it themselves.  

Typically to grow a real estate business and raise money you are better off partnering with someone.