But the answer for everyone may differ.Here are the personal attributes I see in those able to achieve a higher than market ROI, enough higher to be able to “scale”.1- Knowledge of real estate principles, real estate law and real estate finance2- Minimum 3 -5 years full time, or near full time experience directly related to real estate investing3- Ability to utilize technology for increased efficiency, capacity, and accuracy4- Excellent hired legal counsel and excellent hired marketing help5- Established method(s) of obtaining consistently high QUALITY deal flow6- Ability to manage and choose people who are NOT employees: Attorneys, Appraisers, Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Brokers, Title Companies, Surveyors, Marketing Specialists, Accountants, Contractors, Consultants, Property Managers7- A VERIFIABLE track record of success8- Ability to identify, analyze, and negotiate a deal that can be “worked” for “enhanced” ROI9- Some type of competitive advantage; for example for me it’s my ability to analyze and identify mortgage loans that are actually less risky than all other lenders believe (on the investing in debt side), and on the real property side it’s my ability to analyze”pull the trigger” with LESS information than other investors need,  combined with the ability to pay cash, or raise significant capital almost instantly as well as being able to obtain loans at the lowest prime customer bank rate with no recourse or personal liability.  

I was an electrician for over 20 years with my last electrical job being shop foreman for a custom electrical control panel shop and UL 508 specialist.

I don't give out money to foster addiction, only food to fill stomachs.

Our actual carriers used to be Secura, but they seem to be getting out of a lot of insurance lines or pricing so high as to have customers drop off, and we just moved policies in Nov. to Hanover Insurance. 

It’s a good idea to speak directly with an insurance agent who understands multi-unit properties to customize coverage for your specific situation.

Making such a hasty decision on two weeks worth of knowing these people as your customers seems like a rash decision to me, but I don't know exactly what's going on, and sometimes personalities just do not mix well together.

In France, they sell wine.They identified their customers (in your case, reliable tenants) and provided what they wanted to buy (rent).SummaryFollow this proven, step-by-step process to maximize your chances of success and minimize risk in real estate investing.Has this process proven successful?

That's it, but a) print out a page for each property you think is comparable, b) make the list of repairs long and inclusive of everything you've done. c) Put larger items first like kitchen remodel......and don't just say 'kitchen remodel', list things like 'custom backsplash tile/Bosch appliances/recessed can lighting/pot filler/etc. d) Cite the price/value of the work done, and don't be afraid to be generous.

The shelters and foster networks are incredibly overrun, and I want to be responsible and not hand them off to random or possibly cruel strangers.

This allows them to get more capital so they can make more loans without having to grow their asset base, while also maintaining their relationship with the customer through monthly payments.