Here are some key takeaways from our experience flipping homes and running a renovation business in San Diego.1.

Some key qualities to look for include:- **Responsive communication**: A PM company that keeps you in the loop and addresses issues promptly- **Local expertise**: Knowledge of the Birmingham market and experience with Section 8 tenants.- **Proactive maintenance**: Regular inspections and quick resolution of maintenance issues to keep tenants happy and properties in good condition- **Transparent reporting**: Clear and detailed financial reports so you know exactly where your money is goingIf your current PM isn’t meeting these standards, it might be worth exploring other options.

And what is your price point and are you looking for turn-key properties or something along the lines of a "fixer upper"? 

—will be key to success!!

Here is some key information:Property recently hit the market and has 2 cash offers alreadyThe seller provided a pre-inspection report, which I shared with 2 different lenders, both think it may fail conventional financing due to potential structural and electrical issues (realtor thinks it could pass conventional)Seller has 100% equity but is behind on other payments (not sure of the urgency money is needed)This is my first attempt at an “investment” property so I’m new to thisI see 3 optionsMove forward with an offer using conventional loan pre-qualification-Not as attractive of an offer to the seller-Possibility that appraiser calls out structural/electrical issues that need to be fixed before closing, effectively causing financing to fail- Best terms and fewest loan fees for meUse a rehab style loan such as ChoiceRenovation-Even less attractive than a conventional offer to seller, but less risk of failed financing if appraiser calls out issues-Slightly worse fees and interest rates compared to conventional-Lenders tell me possibly up to 60-90 days closing in some cases, with red-tape for contractor requirements and draw schedules (sounds like the most hoops to jump through during rehab)Use a hard money lender-Most attractive loan option I can give to seller so I can compete-Much higher fees and interest rate for me-need to refinance into a conventional at the end of rehab (not familiar with seasoning periods but I think this is a factor as well)Which option would you do?

If you want to use a retirement account to invest in real estate the key is to avoid the tax and withdrawal penalties.

The key is to identify personal property from real property.

If you go RBTR, here are a few key criteria I've seen to assure comfort of living and lower vacancy / turnover:- at least 400sqft per tenant and no more than 2 tenants to 1 full bath -excess parking where folks aren't blocking each other in and you're not getting complaints from your neighbors about overtaking the street parking.

One of the key inputs is a score reflecting a property’s condition (based on listing photos).

An extremely detailed scope of work along with an extremely detailed contract, are the keys to a project that is going to finish on schedule and on budget, without surprises.