Appreciation and equity however play a way bigger part in the Austin market and what my clients focus on when purchasing duplexes. 

We have not done any deals yet, I’m focusing on education first as I’m brand new to this.

What niche of real estate investing do you want to focus on? 

Most successful investors in know in Bakersfield are either finding off market deals or are focusing on value add. 

Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bpThe second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

My partner and I focus on wholesaling but also love to buy and hold.

My partner and I focus on wholesaling but also love to buy and hold.

Focus on learning the business and/or find a great property management company to assist you.Find the ROOT CAUSE of the vacancy issue and focus on resolving it!

Focus on the future, not the past.Avoid headaches and switch to using month-to-month rental agreements.

I've seen businesses that couldn't get money out of a soldier but one well-placed call to someone in their chain of command and the soldier is handing over cash that same day.Appreciation in military towns may be slower than average but you're probably focused on cash-flow more than resale value so I wouldn't worry about that.