If anyone could include what to look out for in a good deal and a bad deal

But ABNB felt so 'authoritarian' (once again for lack of a better word)....including stuff like removing my SuperHost status for a mistake of their own and not reinstating it once I proved them wrong. 

You want an investment that pays for itself, including mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and even some money set aside for a reserve to cover vacancies and capital expenditures.

I own 32 properties myself and have bought and sold over 300, including a few apartment complexes.

@Kiryl Ulanovich,You're on the right track:Get Pre-Approval from Hard Money Lender – Know your terms and limits upfront.Find a Deal Through a Wholesaler – Verify numbers and ensure it meets your criteria.Review the Assignment of Contract – Confirm terms, earnest money, and contingencies.Conduct Due Diligence – This includes an inspection (if allowed), verifying ARV, and rehab estimates.Submit to Hard Money Lender for Final Approval – Lender will review title, contract, and property condition.Title Search & Clear Any Issues – Ensure a clean title before closing.Close Through Title Company – Finalize funding and take ownership.Consider also lining up contractors early for a smooth transition into renovations.

I had specifically asked for numbers including mortgage payments and they emailed to me.

Your 'cost' should include everything, from land purchase, soft costs, holding costs, and hard costs.

Include a buyout clause allowing you to transition to sole ownership after two years, based on a pre-determined valuation formula or market value.Use an LLC to hold the property for liability protection and pass-through taxation, ensuring both partners benefit from depreciation to offset rental income.

In your case, changing the property from a rental to your primary residence constitutes a change in use.The depreciation recapture will be calculated based on the fair market value of the building at the time of conversion, not including the land value.Since you're tearing down the existing structure, the entire amount of depreciation taken over the past two years will likely be recaptured, as the building's value at conversion will effectively be zero.The recaptured amount will be taxed as ordinary income, up to a maximum rate of 25% for residential rental property (Section 1250 property).

This factoring includes the presence of competent contractors who can limit unforeseen surprises and costs.Myth 2: They're Too Risky to Invest InThere is risk in any investment; however, distressed properties are not inherently riskier than any other real estate investment.