I am a new real-estate investor looking at flipping properties in a higher end neighborhood.

I have been struggling finding fair priced reliable contractors in my area.

Neighborhoods in areas like Homewood and Hoover have been experiencing strong appreciation, and the rental market continues to be strong, especially with the growing number of young professionals and college students in the area.As a loan officer, I’m here to help you navigate the financing process, whether you’re looking for your first investment property or expanding your portfolio.

I feel that you should have about 30k-80k in equity ($250k-300k property value) based upon the little bit of information you have told us and my experience in palm bay, FL / Brevard County, FL.

Nathan Seltzer This is a cool idea, I'm interested in something like this as well.

Yes, This is true! 

These areas have more affordable properties compared to Boston and are showing signs of growth, especially with infrastructure and job opportunities increasing.

This is where you generate cash and you can then invest it in RE - or something else.Most of the guru content was written a decade ago and it just does not apply the same way it did back then.

Sadly, the "home office" deduction is one of the IRS pet peeves meaning that you are more likely to be audited for this deduction when it is on your personal income tax return.

There were a number of years in this market where it was absolutely possible to cash flow a duplex with the rent from one side.