This popular advice really irks me.

You might also try posting on platforms like AHRN (Automated Housing Referral Network), which is popular among military renters.3.

We spent weeks analyzing the details.

Focus on one or two target markets, get familiar with the numbers, and use tools like BP calculators to analyze potential properties.Whether you start now or after graduation depends on your bandwidth, just have the right systems and support in place first.

Focus on building a strong team, using BP tools to analyze markets, and researching local laws.

If the prop 13 benefit vanished tomorrow, I would analyze whether I should sell.  

Should be good and very popular with buyers once we get to the Spring market.

I'm also open to discussing the properties I have purchased, analyzing which deals have been successful and which ones have not.In my experience, out-of-state investors who buy single-family homes in the suburbs usually see better returns.

A strong agent who invests can help analyze deals, run comps, get rents, help you explore multiple investing strategies, strategize offers and negotiate best prices/concessions/ repairs. 

With the newer 5% down conventional loan for owner-occupied multifamily option, I generally advise people to start analyzing from there if they want to house hack a multifamily with minimal down.