Also, I am assuming since you house hacked that you only did 5% down, which then increases your mortgage payments compared to 25% down buyers.

Instead of buying existing properties and rehabbing them, the idea is to partner with a builder who constructs new rental properties, then refinance and rent them out. 

Then I edit the graph for % change from a year ago.

If directly to the seller, then you need to ensure that the payment is made, but also that it is made to the person who is entitled to it.

Read on for some useful info:Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Why is Property Class so important for investors to understand and apply in their investing strategies?

I purchased a property that needed a lot more work then intended.

Create columns for Name, Street Address, City, State, Zip and then contact info: Last Contact, Relationship, Status, Email & Phone.IMPORTANT: do NOT ask people for THEIR business, ask for referrals!

Then I have still have to pay the person who was acting as a host even though no one came. 

Since then, we've analyzed at least 75 deals across multiple markets, developed our buy box, and choose a strategy that aligns with our goals.

But even then you still need to have cash available.