Your first deal is about learning, so focus on the fundamentals and think long-term, this is just the beginning of building wealth!

Focus on fundamentals: buy below market value, have strong cash flow (or a clear path to creating it), and maintain sufficient reserves to weather any unexpected challenges.If you’re strategic and stay patient, this market could create opportunities that lay the groundwork for long-term success.

I am of the opinion that cash flow underwriting comes second, after first nailing the long term deal fundamentals, how strong is the equity upside and market generally speaking. 

When most people say don't buy (like in 2009), it's usually a great time if there are strong underlying fundamentals.

Working on my financial fundamentals, namely saving enough free capital to invest.

These are what we call "A-class" markets—areas with strong fundamentals, high demand, and typically excellent long-term appreciation.

Columbus in particular has been a strong market for both approaches, with solid fundamentals for long-term appreciation and cash flow.

I separated from the military in 2021 with full disability benefits, a transition that fundamentally changed my outlook on life.

I don't immediately see any reason that their basic home value and rent indexes should be considered fundamentally flawed based on that connection.

Short answer: not legally, but they can get away with it.Long answer starts with a fundamental concept of our tax laws.