btw, I think there's a couple of BP podcasts of young guys who bought a house to stay in during their college and it was a great springboard for their investing careers.  

For our first investment, we are contemplating partnering with another couple, which would be another area I would appreciate input on.  

Madison has one that meets twice a month which you could check out at www.madisonreia.com  They have about 60 investors meet at any given meeting and typically about 10 brand new investors will peek their head in each month.

I ended up paying the HOA fees with the additional costs of the collections company - totalled at $6700 (the fees themselves would have been $4000) A couple of years ago they lease the condo to couple due to the wife's high credit rating.

@Sophiep To If your lender has actually done a few 203k's they should have a couple of approved contractors, since it is They that have to approve them.

Hey @Stevan Davis I have a couple properties i'm currently flipping in Michigan.

We will get there but just a process.A couple of other areas we have on a list to research are Oregon and Florida. 

 My name is David Doheny and I'm brand new to real estate.   

Check your local Plumbing Supply wholesaler - they deal with plumbers every day and can usually give you a couple of good recommendations...

I have a couple apt communities in Houston and am originally from Texas.