Quote from @Brandon Le: Your first purchase could/should be a house hack.

I'm considering buying a house in nearby Palm Coast as I travel there for business.

Studying the local market makes a lot of sense.

My only tip is to stay on top of the market rents in your area.

The housing market never ceases to surprise us. December marked a big moment: for the first time since mid-2022, home prices increased year-over-year in all 50 of the largest U.S. metro areas. Yep, every single one.
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It requires no money upfront, so you will join thousands of others trying to do the same in your market.

I also wouldn't touch hilltop with a 10' pole. struggled. old homes, over budget renovations, lots of issues. realtors push people here since it's the only place cheap houses close to downtown can be good but homes are 1900-1920.

Having a problem tenant and dealing with eviction could happen in any market.

I have been investing in the stock market for 5 years and I am now transitioning over to real estate after doing my research on real estate for the past two years. 

Quote from @Jason Baker: After leaving the real estate market in 2024 and bringing in the new year of 2025, what are the best updated strategies/approaches to be a successful wholesaler in the Miami Market?