What are folks doing to find deals, and find out if a property can cash flow?

I would recommend that regardless of market you decide to invest in that you find a fellow investor/realtor that can help you purchase in the neighborhoods that make for ideal long term rentals.

Can I go after them for that?

But if you can secure one with solid terms, it could be a great way to access capital while keeping the rental.If you believe in 28277’s continued appreciation (and I do), I’d lean towards holding the rental, increasing rents through strategic upgrades, and leveraging equity via a HELOC or cash-out refinance if the terms make sense.

That can be excess income from your W2 job, or it can be a business you run on the side.

It helps readers a lot by providing context, and those of us who have some time in the market can look back into our histories and give you some advice. 

Perhaps the homeowner can turn back the deed to the mortgage holder, in lieu of foreclosure.  

Those can be had for 3-5 bucks a piece after summer so easy to replace.Waffle makers.

Avoiding Beginner Mistakes – What are the biggest pitfalls for a first-time investor, and how can I avoid them?

Through wargaming, it is easy to see how the motivations of the operator can become very misaligned from that of the investor when they use a Preferred Return or Waterfall structure.