It's not easy, but definitely possible. 

It's easy to bite off more than you can chew in this business and that's especially not a good idea for your first deal.

Sometimes occupants still live there and eviction is not easy, and I have even heard a story once that the yakuza are involved in the construction and real estate business and exorted money from buyers through occupants in these properties. 

Rental collection seems easy.

It is fairly easy to prove that the sleazy and less experienced sub to people had ill intent, they keep a fairly detailed record of their doings in a Facebook group and are easy to find elsewhere.

@Landen Amann, you're referring to a 1031 exchange. 

i'm happy to help in any way I can if you need any lender, broker, contractor references etc etc 

But of coruse, getting private lenders isn't exactly easy.

@Jaycee Greene Yeah it is easy for one to get discouraged when buying this type of project but I must say they are decent when trying to start low and build capital, that way you dont have to deal with **** properties or mediocre neighborhoods again. 

Hey John,I work with several different property managers, which I refer to for my clients (I'm an investor friendly agent over here).