This checklist leads you to the Planning and Community Development department which will help facilitate a number of inspections and could have a small fee to initiate that process.

Also purchased with a 0% down VA loan, I plan to rent it out when I receive my next set of orders in two years.

As with any project, it's just important to have plans and backup plans so that you can be successful, no matter what the market happens to be doing.

@Basit Siddiqi is exactly right that Philadelphia / NJ has some unique reporting headaches that are often screwed up, so whoever you work with, gauge their experience working in numerous jurisdictions, or their teams access to those subject matter experts.Those in the construction world and rental world open themselves up to some substantial opportunities from a tax planning perspective, but also need to be sure they thread the needle carefully on the real estate professional rules to actually qualify for them.

I believe that successfully navigating this initial investment will pave the way for future opportunities, whether in the same market or elsewhere.Living in New York City, I faced a challenging market ;)I chose Montgomery, Alabama.Here's my process:I compiled a list of states with favorable landlord laws.Using Brightinvestor, I identified cities within those states where the median home price falls below the national average ($420k).I excluded cities with negative income growth and rising unemployment rates.I focused on cities with strong appreciation rates over the past five years (over 10%).I compared price-to-rent ratios.I did break two rules: Montgomery has a slight decline in population, and its largest employers are an Air Force base and government agencies.One significant factor that influenced my decision was the promising price-to-rent ratio, suggesting potential for positive cash flow (though I remain cautious about appreciation).Regarding my acquisition strategy:I plan to employ the BRRR method with cash.

Are you really planning to buy four houses with the stipulation that you have to live in each (or at least prove intent to) for a year and all for under $417k?  

I plan to give my tenants a proper notice to inspect the apartments for any damages negligence.

Here are some key considerations and potential pitfalls to keep in mind as you plan this approach:Market Research and Property Selection:Local Market Conditions: Ensure that the Tahoe area's real estate market is stable or appreciating.

But the temp lease has already stretched passed the time we planned for her to be out.

It's precisely the lottery size judgements that either exceed you insurance or are dodged by your carrier that make it a good plan to have another layer of protection  of a limited liability entity.