My name is David Robertson, and I’ve been passionate about real estate since I was 12 years old.

Plan is to purchase a couple homes over the next year.

A quick internet search led to quite a few complaints by people claiming to be ripped off, had deals fall through, or simply getting the run around each time. 

I had already been in real estate for 5 years and thought I had seen it all.  

The neighbors saw the STRs in the neighborhood as a huge upgrade over what had been there (run-down, neglected old houses turned into the best in the area)... 

While that may be good for the 10% pref investors, you may have been better off holding another year and getting another 7%.Related to this, I generally don't like preferred returns as a passive investor. 

None of these things will bring success tomorrow, but with doing them consistently every day, I will wake up in 5,10,20,30,40,60 years and be miles ahead of everyone else.2) Never stop learningThere is only growth or decay, there is no middle ground.

I also wouldn't touch hilltop with a 10' pole. struggled. old homes, over budget renovations, lots of issues. realtors push people here since it's the only place cheap houses close to downtown can be good but homes are 1900-1920.

With the property being so old it came with a lot of weird ways of doing things which took a lot of creativity.

This, in turn, allows for higher rental rates or quicker sales, directly impacting the ROI.I could remember when an investor purchased an old, three-story commercial building at  a bustling downtown area.