But without a crystal ball, the only way I know how to invest (especially as a beginner) is to make sure the numbers work for me straight away.

First, I was told "No one lives on the west side unless they have to", and also: "Highlands is OK, but just don't buy on the east side of Federal" but that was where I could afford.Nobody has a crystal ball, but try to look ahead if possible

@Crystal Williams factoring in taxes is an important part of investment decisions, but it is only one factor. 

@Crystal Smith I have heard about home warranties but have not looked into them.

@Crystal Salton I am currently in NJ but will be moving back to FL in three months for a while.

@Crystal Smith thanks for the link but how am I able to obtain the previous owner information and folio number if the bank is the owner??

My crystal ball is just as hazy as everyone else's, but I think a lot of folks smarter than me are thinking we're near the top of the market.

I'm with @John Weidner and @Crystal Smith - although we've done a couple lipstick rehabs (in Chicago that amounts to $40-50k +) they're very hard to find so most are gut rehabs. 

I am not saying I have a crystal ball and can predict the future but I have been investing for a fair amount of years and I am looking at the macro view of the global and US economy and how that equates to real estate prices especially on a local level of Central Texas. 

Did he get it from his crystal ball?