Think of it as the rough sketch that helps you figure out where you want to swim: Omaha’s stable single-family rentals with decent cash flow and strong appreciation potential, the sizzling up-and-coming pockets around San Antonio where off-market deals still lurk if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves, or those tight-knit Chicago neighborhoods where a trusted investor-friendly agent can point you to contractors who won’t ghost you mid-reno.

What worked for me was partnering with a trusted local business or coworking space in the area and using their address (with their consent, of course).

Verify before you trust.

Also people like to feel more important by having LLC or trusts to hide their identity.

Should I explore putting these properties into land trusts?

Trust and referrals are the lifeblood of building relationships in the real estate investment world.

-I'm fairly careful with communication , but again, I know doing business online is way riskier, but I want to ask: Typically, I would trust someone who seems very in-depth, informative (gives statistics and numbers), and basically would give me thorough steps (including worst-case scenarios and what would best fit my situation)^^would people who have experience say that even with the above, some agents/lenders/PMs would still be sort of out to get your money and do a lousy job?

In the case of a multi-unit, the units you rent will be considered investment property *I am not a CPA, so trust but verify :)

I feel like it would be great to trust a property management company on all of this, but it would be hard not to step in if you could do a better job at screening bad tenants (eg screening HUGE future problems).I initially managed properties myself, but now I delegate that responsibility to my business partner, personal assistant, or a property manager at my brokerage.Most PMs I know will send you an applicant for final approval and you can get on the phone with them and ask them questions

Advanced options like a charitable remainder trust can provide tax deductions while avoiding immediate capital gains.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.