Learn the ins and outs of fit and finish, proper preparation, proper installation, rough in locations & MEP details... thinking 10 steps ahead on everything.

Quote from @Scott Tennell: For real estate investors who have worked with private money lenders, what strategies have you found most effective in structuring deals to ensure both parties are protected and the funding process runs smoothly? 

I have a few brand new homes popping out of the ground in Canby Oregon.. msut of Portland proper is very old the new builds tend to be skinnies or expensive . 

I get the desire to own outside of Chicago proper, but instead of going to another state altogether, why not invest in one of the burbs?

The seller can pay for it at closing (the title agent will cut the check to the trade to ensure there is no resulting lien) and provide proof of the replacement to the insurance provider.  

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

With proper tenant screening and systems in place you can absolutely be a successful landlord.

So if I understand correctly, RWN brought shady deals to their investors, watched them invest without proper due diligence and investors got screwed?

Ensure you thoroughly evaluate the lease terms and have a strategy to manage potential delays in finding a buyer.Best regards, Stevan

In other words, you would have already invested thousands prior to the auction just to research the properties and their titles.What is your recommendation because without doing a proper title search (which sometimes takes weeks and passes the auction date), how would you know if what you're buying is a good investment?