It could also help you to decide what type of real estate you would like to focus on - i.e., residential vs. commercial. 

Fort Lauderdale has higher purchase prices and nightly rates, but Pompano has had an influx of investment and continues to improve, specifically by the beach. 

Also, focus on 2 years of job/income stability.Class D Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, all cashflow with little, maybe even negative, relative rent & value appreciationVacancy Est: 20%+ should be used to cover nonpayment, evictions & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores under 560 (almost 30% probability of default), little to no good tradelines, lots of collections & chargeoffs, recent evictions.

Focus on key areas first (like floors, walls, kitchen, or bathroom), which may help you handle the costs more gradually, even if it means moving in furniture or updating fixtures down the line.Also, since the tenant left it in rough shape, be sure to document all the damage (photos, receipts) in case you decide to pursue reimbursement through their security deposit or in court.

I echo what Allen saidI used to have a cohosting business but have shut it down because I wasn't focused on the right property AND the right client. 

Focus on networking, learning financing options, and saving up so you're ready when the right deal comes.Good luck!

That loan will cost you around $800/month for 30 years.I think this improves things, and your only loss would be the cost of the equity loan and the payments you've made so far on your IRA and credit cards. 

Here’s a breakdown of the main ways investors fund their first deal while minimizing their own cash outlay:1.Private Money & Hard Money Loans– These lenders focus more on the deal than on your personal finances.

Instead, focus on learning their plans, challenges, and openness to selling.5.

I just want to focus on what I do and whether I can legally employ one or another approach/strategy, to test its viability.