Readers should seek professional advice.

Painting, for instance- an amatuer could take their time and paint a house over the course of a couple weeks and do a great job, but a professional crew could do the entire job in a day. 

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Educate yourself with books, podcasts, and market research, define your goals, and build a team of professionals to support your journey.

It was recently purchased in December 2024, which aligns with the timing she mentioned on the phone.However, despite all the communication being professional, I’ve had trouble finding additional information about their business online.I’m wondering if I’m being overly cautious, but I want to make sure everything is legitimate and avoid any potential scams.

Can this person now be "a real estate" professional? 

With several large universities, including the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, and Drexel University, the city has a steady stream of students and young professionals looking for rentals.

I’ve developed a Comprehensive Investor Report (CIR) for a property in Palm Coast, FL, designed to be transformed into a luxury rental asset while serving as the foundation for a scalable asset management strategy.Here’s a quick snapshot of the deal:Property: Red Birch Lane, Palm Coast, FLCurrent Value: $350,000+Mortgage Balance: $165,000Current Equity: $185,000Investment Required: $177,500 (for luxury upgrades and optimization)Projected Monthly Rent: $4,500 with 2% annual increasesTarget ROI: Full 1.5x ROI for investors achieved in 9 yearsLuxury Features: Smart home automation, designer finishes, professional-grade kitchen appliances, and more.I’ve also structured a capital distribution plan with a waterfall approach:8% Preferred Return for investors.Full Return of Capital to investors before profit splits.Post-ROI, a 20/80 split (Investor/Management) ensures long-term alignment.

I know some solid professionals in this area if you need some referrals. 

As an invetsment-friendly agent (based out of Houston, TX), I’ve seen how the right professional will help you analyze cash flow, manage comforatble contractor bids, and even drive for dollars if you want a broader look at potential comps or deals in the neighborhood.