Quote from @Jackson Ebersole: Hi Piper,It's always smart to flip properties in-state, and I'd like to share some updated insights on why this approach is beneficial, especially in the New Jersey area.Lenders typically feel more comfortable with in-state flips because:You can manage the rehab more easilyYou have better knowledge of local real estate trends and valuesYou can respond quickly to issues or make decisions fasterThere's a lower risk of fraud or being taken advantage of by distant partnersI can help you with recommendations for the New Jersey market:North Bergen: Continues to show strong potential, with average profits now around $150,000 per flip and a gross ROI of 85%.Willingboro: While specific flip numbers aren't available, the market remains active with a gross ROI now averaging around 130%.Gloucester City: Still a top performer, with gross ROI hovering around 180-190%, though still on smaller profit margins.Irvington: Home values have continued to rise, with a 20% increase over the past two years.East Orange: Has seen steady growth, with home values up by about 16% since 2022.Paterson: Experienced a 14% increase in home values over the last two years.Additionally, Jersey City and Newark have emerged as promising markets for flips, with strong appreciation rates and growing demand.

Generates 75k/year gross and nets approximately 20k.

For example, 107 Ellis Street will deliver about $20K in Gross Income once stabilized.

Impressive Rent-to-Price Ratios: Average rents for 3-bed homes are about $800-$900/month, potentially yielding 12-15% gross returns.Economic Transition: While historically industrial, Bay City is diversifying into healthcare, education, and service sectors.Revitalization Efforts: Downtown redevelopment and community initiatives are breathing new life into the city.Strong Cash Flow Potential: Low property taxes and insurance costs contribute to robust monthly cash flows.Let's crunch some numbers on a hypothetical deal:Purchase Price: $75,000Down Payment (20%): $15,000Mortgage (4.5% interest, 30-year fixed): $304/monthProperty Tax: $100/monthInsurance: $60/monthEstimated Repairs/CapEx: $100/monthProperty Management (10%): $85/monthTotal Monthly Expenses: $649Potential Rent: $850/monthEstimated Monthly Cash Flow: $201Cash-on-Cash Return: About 16.08% (not including appreciation or tax benefits)These are rough estimates, and individual properties will vary.

For lenders/banks, quality vacation rentals are clearly a unique and reliably performing asset class..For investment properties these lenders typically require a minimum 20-25% down payment but since there is higher gross revenue, the investor can often qualify for a higher loan amount.

I’m a real estate pro so material participation isn’t an issue, but the majority of my clients are in the $300k-$900k/yr gross household income range and so using STRs is not only the best way to get great ROI on real estate nowadays but the tax benefits are the primary driver for most including myself.  

The maximum special allowance of $25,000 ($12,500 for married individuals filing separate returns and living apart at all times during the year) is reduced by 50% of the amount of your modified adjusted gross income that’s more than $100,000 ($50,000 if you’re married filing separately).

California charges a minimum tax of $800 a year per LLC, and more if you have gross receipts in excess of $250k.

Bringing the gross rental income to $5,800 - $7,500 a month before expenses and cap x. 

I had a unit and the tenant was gross , filthy and disgusting , but he paid the rent every month .