So far I am having little luck finding a provider for this, although I am positive that others have been able to successfully accomplish this.

That bubble will burst in a very legally challenging way for people who follow that bad advice.Second, you have to be in a position to handle a Due on Salecall.Third you have to be in a position to make every payment on time even if the property is sitting there vacant.You have to know why you are buying the property and what you are going to do with it to be cash positive without question.There are other things but that is a start.

Two of the books that have helped me when I was in your position are Start with Strategy - https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/start-with-strategyThe Book on Estimating Rehab costs - https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-book-on-estimat...Since you like the podcasts - these are available as audio books and broken into audio chapters so you can listen just like podcasts!

The listing agent is trying to get the highest price for their client.So, they will put a positive spin on everything they can.You should hire your own EXPERIENCED investor agent!

My personal goals focus on appreciation, so I'm okay with making minimal positive cash flow in an area that is appreciating quickly, even if rent rates are increasing at a slower pace.

The condos I am planning to invest all yields less than 1% when following the 2% rule.NOI ~14,000The rental calculator told me I won’t be having positive cash flow until 4 years after purchase.

Again, I don't know if their a scam or legit but if they've been in business as long as they say they have, shouldn't they have at least one positive review?

Put 30% down to flow positive immediately Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

And a lot of start-up companies are migrating to this city as well because of the OSU campus that has thousands of talented students graduating and looking for positions locally.

Challenges for investors in AstoriaAs seen in the analysis/spreadsheet, achieving positive cash flow on a duplex will take at least 4 years.