My lender said that the units need to be habitable before the loan will close.  

@Philip Tretola I look for areas with growing employment (jobs), growing population, vital economy - and low unemployment.  

Also beware that some realtors are in the habit of just looking at an automated CMA (comparative market analysis) that spits out a number - these too can be way off, especially now that the market is heating up in many areas.Bottom line, learn your market, and learn how to evaluate comps yourself, then you have no one else to blame if you under or over price a property.One final note - you don't actually have to buy properties in your market to evaluate and monitor their list price, days on market, and sale price - pick several representative properties in your area to monitor and evaluate as test cases so you can learn by doing, but without risking any money or wasting anyone's time. 

I starved as all my money went into building my real estate holdings & I worked every night & weekend rehabbing barely habitable properties.Most of my 6 figure salaried colleagues still pay high taxes, mortgages, car pmts & can't afford to retire.So hang in there it's a great feeling when you can finally walk away from 9-5.

The good news it that you will also reap all the rewards.If you don't own a home of your own, then you should be able to purchase your first property as owner occupied, no money down as long as the proposed property is habitable.

It has been a natural habit to push my cash into buying more property and stressing out my bank account to make me create more money.Stressing out my bank account creates thinking and creativity.  

All of a sudden, that cash flow they’ve created is now needed to support new spending habits—and its not helping grow their business or portfolio.We set up new accounts at a separate bank from our personal accounts to keep a clear distinction between the two, and eliminate the temptation of spending money from the rentals.

Get in the habit of not assuming anything.We've started using a carrot and stick approach to the schedule. 

Investing in general though, is a mindset and a habit you need to build.

Included in those contacts  will be lenders, title companies/attorneys, inspectors, contractors, etc.Having closed 203k deals with clients here in Connecticut, I can tell you that surrounding yourself with people that have a good reputation and experience in closing these types of transactions is vital to closing your deal with minimal hassles.