If you dont have the tools and skills to DIY and get yourself out of a tough spot then you can be SOL if the deal goes south.

I'm wondering how anyone does it in this area, or maybe I just have not been looking for long enough.I really would like to purchase in my area as it would be my first rental property, and I am most familiar with the northern VA area If this is not to be, I also am wondering what markets nearby would be better.I’m also in Fairfax County, and you’re absolutely right: Fairfax County and much of Northern VA are tough markets for cash flow, especially starting out without a substantial down payment.

It’s tough to know what is happening when you can’t get any responses! 

A baseline schedule is a reference timeline to track key project milestones.

So it's a tough situation for us.

Do an actual tax projection first before jumping to conclusions. 

It helps to know which plumbers or electricians like a remodel project vs a new build project.  

Large construction projects.  2.

"Value add multifamily" is a cute term, but it will be an absolute bear of a project that will evaporate cash if you don't know what you are doing...and perhaps even if you do know what you are doing.

The HOA can decide to do a special project or make a short 3 story elevator more hurricane proof ($800000) or have issues after a hurricane and then you are definitely not ahead of the game.Please connect with me and I can maybe point you in a better direction.