Learn the lawsDon't use a contract "off the internet", laws vary by state and are also regulated on a federal level Learn the financing techniques correctlyDon’t skip parts of the processDon’t ever do a “kitchen table” closingUse the proper deedAn attorney can help you with the legal work, but the rest you are on your ownYour guru will not bail you out“Investing” in someone else’s deal by providing a small 2nd loan so the “investor” can pay for “cash to the seller” and for “closing costs” so he can do the deal is a very bad planKnow what problems can ariseLearn the responses and solutions to problems before they are needed Know everything there is to know about Title and what that meansKnow who a "protected class" individual isLearn the "back doors"Learn human natureUnderstand timelinesUnderstand regulation enforcement (some of these "mistakes" have a 10 year statue of limitations ( they can charge you 10 years AFTER you do the transaction) and carry hefty fines and possible imprisonmentThe court doesn't accept "I didn't know" for an answer"Know that the source of the lead plays a serious role in some states and federallyKnow how much of a "profit" pushes the boundaries to invite an investigationYou can be sued by the seller if you don’t do things correctlyYou are automatically at fault if an investigator or attorney or regulator gets involved.

If you call Airbnb, you'll never actually get an answer you could trust on this. 

What's the activity level been like?

I have extended family in MN, which is a plus and something I’m factoring in as well.I’ve heard from friends in Iowa that MN winters are on another level, which will definitely take some getting used to. 

Jacksonville has been building at record levels and is/was one of the highest cities in the country delivering new housing units as a percentage of existing housing units.

I consider the two best sources is from other trusted contractors and other RE investors.  

Both can work, so it’s about your comfort level and long-term goals.I am a licensed real estate agent here in Austin and I specialize in real estate investment properties.

It’s also helpful to build a small network of trusted vendors and tradespeople you can rely on for future projects.The BRRRR strategy can be a great way to scale, but I’d advise budgeting some extra cushion for unexpected costs or delays—it’s almost inevitable.

- Given your experience level, without an inspection, I'd turn around and walk away.

At the most basic level a good deal makes you money with minimal cash and effort.