The ones who bought cheaper properties trying to fix up had mixed results with one getting hustled by a contractor and definitely going into the red.

Watching some of these videos and finding lots of red flags like that which beginners wouldn’t catch but experienced folks will know is b.s.

Not a war zone, but too many empty houses.

Because that can be a red flag.  

Title report, confirm utilities and zoning etc. 

I need some advice from experienced RE investors.We want to buy a 6 bed/ 5 bath in a great area (top zipcode in the area).Thinking of splitting into 2 units but re-zoning permits are almost impossible in area.Ideas of converting to AirBnb or community center?

Even you got hung up on the HELOC red herring.

Most agencies are slow to process paperwork, have a lot of bureaucratic red tape, and it is difficult to get them to respond to inquiries.

Ill give you a prime example. 46218 is a war zone by most investors stand point but guess what Zip had the most cash transactions over the last 3 years......46218!

This is all changing very soon with the construction of the Foulger Pratt's new "WestEnd Alexandria" Landmark mall redevelopment, a new 4 million square foot mixed-use redevelopment, including a new 1.1 million square foot Inova medical center already starting, with completion set for 2028.The development notably won the Red Clay Development of the Year award.On top of the +2,000 healthcare worker jobs the development will immediately bring to the area upon completion, the 120,000 square feet of office space will also bring a large number of jobs to the west end of Alexandria.