Neighborhoods there are usually in better shape (although Baltimore is very much block by block), and in my opinion, the quality of the tenant pool is much better.Oh, and great idea checking out the properties in person—the pictures you see on the MLS can be very deceptive lol.

Before moving forward, negotiate better terms with the hard money lender you initially spoke with and ensure the seller is fully on board with second position financing.

There was so much promised in that webinar, including a better price and much more than one would normally get for that price, but each time I try to do what they were showing that was so cool (and it DOES have cool capabilities) - it's an add-on.  

or it’s better keep as is with small updates doneI'd start by speaking with an architect or local permit expediter, then someone at the City. 

You are likely to get a better rate on your CD through an account like this also.  

Most are being encouraged to buy Class B-minus rentals and below, but no one corrects them about their mistake of using Class A assumptions on these rentals:When a newbie gets smacked with reality via their losses, they then can only suck it up until time improves their mistake or dump at a loss.So, my question is, why can't we all do better and grow our industry with integrity?

But I still get dish soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, paper towels, and a few other items off Amazon since they have a better price.

On the other side, the bigger companies have more experience and their numbers tend to be more accurate (not always)... as they are big companies "their costumer service" and communication is better but at the same time they "have more mouths to feed" if we need to be honest so can get a bunch of ok or good deals but I kinda doubt they will be great (just my personal candid opinion).

Quote from @Gregory Wilson:As for the second, there are only about 20 monetary numbers to be entered in Turbo Tax on a single unit rental property 1065 so it always seems to me that the $3500 would be better spent elsewhere.

You could structure the deal with seller financing to bridge the gap.Possible offer structure:-Purchase Price: $170K - closer to actual value-Down Payment: Low or zero down to conserve cash-Interest Rate: 3%-5% - or better yet, 0% if the seller will agree-Monthly Payments: Interest-only or deferred until the sale-Balloon Payment: Full payoff in two years when you sellIf he wants $200K, you can still make an offer of:-$170K purchase price + $30K as a second lien due at closing-Seller carries $170K at a low interest rateHe would feel closer to his number, but you still keep within reasonable investment limits.2.