Find a reliable Realtor, as they can refer you to other key team members.

I was able to purchase a house from a couple for the cost of a title transfer fee, and a refi loan.

Here are a couple of ways you could structure the deal:Lease Option with Seller Financing: You could lease the property with an option to buy later, allowing you to rehab it while giving the sellers time to find a 1031 replacement property.Seller Financing with Deferred Payment: Structure the seller financing with no immediate payments, allowing you to refinance once the property is appraised, and the sellers can complete the 1031 exchange when ready.Escrow Holdback: Transfer the deed into an escrow account, giving you control without immediate transfer, so the sellers can take their time with the 1031.Third-Party Facilitation: Use a qualified intermediary to hold funds and facilitate the 1031 exchange while you refinance.These options allow flexibility for both you and the sellers.

If you are setting aside funds for capex, taxes, insurance, or other expenses that don't occur monthly, transfer those funds to Savings each month and hold them there until it's time to spend them.

And if I find a reliable agent and reliable property management company in one of those cities, then I'd start there.

Factor 8%-10% for a reliable property manager (use AllPropertyManagement.com).After that, you're golden.

But I’d say the key to success is building a reliable team on the ground.

**Cash Flow & Reliability**: The cash flow can be great, especially since the rent is typically above the average for the area, and it’s guaranteed by the government.

It will take time to build a dependable and reliable network of licensed professionals you can trust.

Some hosts also accept bank transfers, but you’ll want to ensure payments clear well in advance of their stay.