Connecting with experienced investors or joining local real estate groups can provide valuable insights and help you avoid costly mistakes.

I can only speak to Milwaukee, but on average the three distressed properties I have purchased over the past ten years have appreciated an average of 200% all while providing steady cash flow.  

When you say they were incompetent can you provide more feedback for novice investors. 

The seller was willing to take a secondary position on other property assets and provide a 3yr 4% interest on his loan.

I got a lawyer at the moment but they don't see to be too great regarding evictions and kind of unsure about the whole situation so will see if George Gibbs can provide some clarification on it.

But perhaps you would be better served helping a local experienced investor find deals and ask them to show you exactly how they analyze deals, what's good vs bad, how do they finance (debt vs equity) etc etc and understand their business model that has a proven track record by providing value to them.

M1 has already provided fantastic value for me and I don't plan on backing out.Hey great feedback I am all for it if you get value..

An LLC when properly formed and administered provides separation and protection of assets that are outside of the LLC from the actions of the LLC.  

HELOCs let you access equity as needed, keeping costs low unless you use the funds.Key considerations: If you plan to scale quickly, the HELOC might provide the liquidity you need for faster moves.

I provide short term rental furnishing and renovation finish list that includes paint colors, light fixtures, cabinets etc.