Making money and keeping money are not the same thing. 

Any good HML will be happy to share the contact info of borrowers so you can see how easy the process was and how well they treated the investor.Can you share a recent closing document or HUD?

I personally am not investing at the moment. 

I’ve visited every other property I’ve considered in the past, so this is uncharted territory for me, and it feels a little out of my comfort zone.I’m considering putting it under contract sight unseen to lock it up, but I don’t want to make a rookie mistake here.I'm looking for some advice here.

The idea is simple: purchase a property, live in one part, and rent out the rest to offset your mortgage or even generate profit.

Improvements that DON’T drive the ARV as much: Windows, Landscaping, Driveway, Rough Plumbing & ElectricalI agree with @Jaron Walling about meeting the appraiser at the property and providing documentation.

Quote from @Philip Beckwith: Does anybody have any tips on how to successfully appeal property taxes?

For the next 10 months (40 weeks) you spend a fairly reasonable 5 hours a week marketing, communicating with guests and your property manager and bookkeeping.

🔄 The Side-Hustle Timeline: How to Build Your RE Business While Working 9-5Ever feel like your W2 job is holding back your real estate dreams?

I am from the Chicago area and looking to purchase my first property in the next 3-6 months.