Building a trusted network of contractors will save time and ensure consistency as you scale.

But the answer for everyone may differ.Here are the personal attributes I see in those able to achieve a higher than market ROI, enough higher to be able to “scale”.1- Knowledge of real estate principles, real estate law and real estate finance2- Minimum 3 -5 years full time, or near full time experience directly related to real estate investing3- Ability to utilize technology for increased efficiency, capacity, and accuracy4- Excellent hired legal counsel and excellent hired marketing help5- Established method(s) of obtaining consistently high QUALITY deal flow6- Ability to manage and choose people who are NOT employees: Attorneys, Appraisers, Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Brokers, Title Companies, Surveyors, Marketing Specialists, Accountants, Contractors, Consultants, Property Managers7- A VERIFIABLE track record of success8- Ability to identify, analyze, and negotiate a deal that can be “worked” for “enhanced” ROI9- Some type of competitive advantage; for example for me it’s my ability to analyze and identify mortgage loans that are actually less risky than all other lenders believe (on the investing in debt side), and on the real property side it’s my ability to analyze”pull the trigger” with LESS information than other investors need,  combined with the ability to pay cash, or raise significant capital almost instantly as well as being able to obtain loans at the lowest prime customer bank rate with no recourse or personal liability.  

If you consistently analyze properties, recognizing a good deal will be much easier when it shows up.

Hey @Dan ErmolovichSorry to hear you’re facing this challenge...evictions are one of the tougher aspects of real estate investing, and being out of state adds to the difficulty.

Ltrs are great because they keep a consistent tax base and particular voter in place.

So I almost “broken even” with the cost of construction vs. valuation aspect.

@Matthew Beasley, not really anything consistent from the folks in the Charleston area. 

If you consistently analyze properties, recognizing a good deal will be much easier when it shows up.

It’s not the most conventional inventory, but there’s been a fairly consistent pipeline of retiree buyers from what I’ve heard.

Smart tech, such as fast Wi-Fi, streaming services, and keyless entry, consistently gets positive feedback, as do luxury bathroom additions like plush towels and rain showers.