Pick a niche and then focus on that.

I would consider having an initial conversation with PMs in the area as a potential client of theirs and to "pick their brains". 

Pick out the finishes now and tell him to include the materials and install into the bid.If there’s confusion I wouldn’t be signing the contract, and definitely don’t let him start work.

@Gregory Chadwell"I’ve learned on my multi families just go there on the fourth"This is a bad business practice, landlords should never be picking up a tenants rent, unless you are managing a C/D property, even then it is not good.

So sometimes they pick the cheapest materials or cheap contractors to put lipstick on a pig.

I have a situation.Considering picking up this property as a rental Current Mortgage $144,369.56 centsHeloc on the house for 18,000Which puts the house at $162,369.56Fixed rate 4.5%I have a lease option tenant at a purchase price of $180,000k$20k down$1700/monthly for two years.Thinking about doing a lease purchase with sellerThen do a lease option with tenant.Lease purchase for a year and half and lease option for two years.

Just Picked Up This SUB 2 In Cheektowaga, NY.

Should I pick properties and practice putting together a pro forma?

But at the same time there is something to figuring out where you can add value or pick areas of the country that will appreciate in price faster than the rest of the US economy.

@Franklin Marte, although you are, in your own words, 'new', you have ended up in a good market in Tampa and you have picked a good strategy in Class C value add.