I'd also suggest self-managing your first property to maximize cash flow and learn by doing for any future investments.

Jaron Walling said something that caught my attention, "search for and buy a bad roof, leverage it during the negotiation"....especially of the property has been sitting on the market longer than normal for the current market, a "bad roof" might be a gift from the real estate genie.My point is this: get good at estimating and fixing a bad roof (or any particular problem found with most houses that sit on the market longer) and you'll get comfortable buying/fixing properties that scare off other buyers. 

If you can maximize all 3, then you've also created a very wide lead funnel, which is less common in multifamily properties.Maximizing "pets" means you're removing carpet, allowing at least 2 pets including cats and larger dogs > 50 lbs, access to a fully fenced-in yard or walking distance to a dog park, leniency on breed restrictions (depends on insurance, your risk tolerance, due diligence with pets during inquiry phase), pet friendly furniture (e.g. faux leather couch, low pile rugs if at all), etc.

It will include a compact bathroom, a tiny kitchen area, and a heater—just the essentials to make it comfortable for someone to stay in.

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

Partnering with local experts who understand zoning, permitting, and market nuances can help you avoid costly mistakes and maximize returns.If you're in a high-cost area, out-of-state investing can provide access to markets with better entry points and higher ROI potential.

I prefer it that way too as it aligns your incentives to maximize revenue. 

However, if you want to maximize equity and control every step of the process, doing it yourself might be better.At the end of the day, it’s about what fits your goals and risk tolerance.

When they eventually move out, I plan to do a full renovation to bring the unit up to high-quality standards and maximize its rental potential.I’m happy to connect if you ever want to chat.

Get out of your comfort zone.