I understand the concept of having your contractor go in and getting an itemized scope of work, estimate materials and labor, but by the time this is done, one of you other OOS investors already swooped in and took the deal ;)   As we all know...a good deal will go quick, so I think the skill of being able to quickly estimating these rehab numbers when analyzing a "good" deal,  especially being out of state, is absolutely critical. 

You should get used to fully analyzing deals to know if it is worth it or not.

Where can I find properties in my area to analyze.

I feel comfortable I can analyze deals and close them, as ive done the smaller ones and have read enough about the bigger ones to have a good idea of what I am getting into.

I analyzed the DE market, new house hacking near a university would be effective for rent by room, and pulled the trigger.

I analyzed the DE market, knew house hacking near a university would be effective for rent by room, and pulled the trigger.

Hello, I'm Mike from Estero,Florida looking to eventually purchase my first rental property.I still have alot to learn such as analyzing properties to find a good deal,pretty much the whole process.I currently have money in the stock market and a ebay business (worth about 40-50 grand) if I were to sell everything.I would like to buy my first property cash with no mortgage if possible.So my question is do I let my investments grow a few years?

As someone relatively new myself, can't say that I have all answer to all scenarios BUT I'd highly encourage you to get really good, early on, analyzing deals.

Analyzing deals.

i've started to analyze deals i pull up on the MLS thanks to information ive gotten from bigger pockets directly!!