The property is being purchased at 103 with an ARV of 375.

One year after I used that property to pull a HELOC and this year used that money to purchase an off market 4 family property in Clinton for well under market value, which I just recently finished all of the repairs and upgrades on.

Other insights to be gleaned from the stats: Cash purchases dominate more than ever, representing over 62% of purchases.

What this leads to is higher purchase prices but also higher rents in these areas. 

After years of focusing on my career and building financial stability, I’m ready to dive into real estate investing and start creating passive income and long-term wealth.My short-term goal is to purchase my first duplex or single family rental. 

@Christopher HeidrichRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

No guaranteed way to stop a determined, experienced thief:(Only deterrents that push them to easier jobs.The roof may be a good idea - until they figure out the just need a ladder to get up there and a rope to lower it down. 

If it's a fixer upper you would account for the rehab and purchase price then compare against the ARV.

Yes you can find properties which you will be able to purchase, but ROI will be near zero or negative. 

Do you have a track record of purchasing and operating real estate on your own?