If you pick up a few properties now, it will be MUCH easier to buy more sooner than later down the road.

Pick a good contractor and then manage them well! 

The very next day we tried to pick up a squabble about "who do you think my people are" and "why do they need criminal check etc".

So far, the lots I have picked are much higher priced than what would be acceptable in the program - still hunting!

Picks up again around March.3) What are current DOM Trends?

I mean, they make a lot more money than the average person and they pick and choose their assignments/contracts.

Try using the BiggerPockets "Market finder" and see where that brings you and then just talk with agents in the market you pick and narrow down these options by relying on market local contacts to guide you.

If you haven't picked a market yet, I invested in Jacksonville Florida and would be happy to discuss why

Several of my STR investor clients here in Colorado have used a designer, and they generally pick a few statement pieces that they spend money on and then go with FB marketplace  or even IKEA for smaller items. 

J F C...I suggested the video to illustrate the mechanics of it, not for people to nit-pick it to death!