I would start there.The Rock may have something to say about that.... 

Many newer investors have to start somewhere and older more-beat-up homes are cheaper and can help someone get their foot in the door.As for appreciation, this too is location dependent.

My second house was under contract before it was even listed, but the combination of my GC disappearing and having to restart the permitting process for the carport in March right at the start of Corona lock downs dragged that out and eventually feel out of contract.

Newark is hands down one of the worst cities in America to invest in. 

Making money in real estate requires experience and starting with no or little money makes you study harder.As much as most of us probably wished for it, getting started with a lot of money in your pocket is a recipe for disaster: the temptation is to make the deal work by throwing money at it.If you want to go into real estate go with a syndicator with a good track record.

Since this is a short-term flip, the IRS usually sees it as active income, but if your role is truly hands-off, there might be a way to treat it differently.Have you thought about how you’re structuring the deal?

On the other hand, several states require a license to make business-purpose loans.

This is much lower than the costs associated with refinancing.Benefits of Mortgage RecastingLower Monthly Payments: The most immediate benefit is a reduced monthly payment, which can free up cash for other financial goals.Save on Interest: By reducing your principal balance, you’ll pay less interest over the life of the loan, potentially saving thousands of dollars.No Credit Check or Appraisal: Unlike refinancing, recasting doesn’t require a credit check, income verification, or home appraisal, making it a quicker and simpler process.Keep Your Current Interest Rate: If you have a favorable interest rate on your current loan, recasting allows you to maintain it while still lowering your payments.Drawbacks of Mortgage RecastingRequires a Lump Sum: Not everyone has the cash on hand to make a significant lump sum payment, which can make recasting inaccessible for some homeowners.Doesn’t Shorten Loan Term: While your monthly payments are lower, recasting doesn’t reduce the length of your loan.

Emphasize that your offer is competitive and you’re ready to move now, or set a reasonable deadline for the offer to ensure the seller knows you’re serious.Use Comparables StrategicallyHave data on hand to support your position.

The more cash on hand the more options.