"A smart person learns from his mistakes, but a truly wise person learns from the mistakes of others" - Ken Schramm

As a general rule of thumb it's smart to pay for 10 - 20% of the total costs (purchase price + rehab) out of your pocket and then finance the rest with hard money. 

I don't think it is smart to start off buying foreclosures in an area that goes for 500-600k. 

absolutely... but be careful... be smart in what you invest in... trust me my friend https://www.biggerpockets.com/...take warning ... be smart... be vigilant

Hey Kent,It sounds like you're making a smart move to consider out-of-state investing, especially with the criteria you've set.

Now to be fair and balanced like fox news I have met folks at these events that paid the 30k  during evening break and a glass of wine i would ask them what brought you here..

Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas have some great opportunities, and it’s smart to connect with local investors and agents to get a feel for the market.

You were smart to do that. 

By sourcing directly from trusted factory partners, Griffin Modern saved significantly on key elements like the Pivot door, floating staircase, glass handrail, and casement windows—items that normally cost 30% more when purchased at retail.

A smart seller will have note, deed of trust/mortgage/etc. prepared by a local real estate attorney (yes, he/she may work with/at the title company) and be sure the security instrument is properly recorded in the land records.