Having a full renovated home in the inner city is like being a sitting duck.

@Virginia Frost What market/city are you targeting?

JBR gives good ROI, Palm does not.International City gives the highest ROI to date.I’ve plucked maybe 10-15 rental properties for each of these locations, and still adding more to see.

I work with Property Management in Houston but can recommend some great networking/educational events for you :) Check out Space City REI - there's monthly meetups with an educational speaker relating to real estate investing and there are plenty of Investors looking for Wholesalers out there! 

What states/cities make the most sense right now? 

Hey @Keagan Scott, so I don't have any insight into Gary, IN but here is a blurb -"Those looking to rent out their properties for less than 30 days (about 4 and a half weeks) will have to get a permit, pay a one-time $150 fee, and have a city business license.

For projects with 150 or fewer units, the city has 60 days for eligibility review and 90 days for final approval, including design review.

Check do any tree coverage rules with the City.  2.  

I do not worry much about "hurried or sloppy work" because it is also in my contract that all work must pass inspection, which may include the city / county (for permitted projects), lender and myself.

If you’re set on Florida, focus on areas just outside the main city that are still growing—you’ll find better deals there.