That’s great advice Taz, I’m currently working on saving enough money to get started, house hacking is hard for me at the moment because I just bought a house 2 years ago, I would have to sell my house(which is in a great neighborhood great location) and use that money to fund the duplex which isn’t totally out of the question, I would like to keep the house if possible but also would like to get real estate investing more.

I have seen this same house that is vacant (all the classic signs) I have located the owner ( I have not reached out to her yet).

Since you're not rushing for a quick flip, you can focus on quality construction, tenant-friendly designs, and strong rental markets that yield solid cash flow and appreciation over time.A few things to consider: Location is key.

I love New England and I’m from the Cary/raleigh area of NC so those are my top locations.

Consisting of 112 units located in a growing and stable area of Dallas.

I have pulled a permit for removing a fireplace, but probably would not have but I had a significant remodel going with permits and did not want hassle of him making an issue of removing the fireplace (the inspection for fireplace removal consisted of only verifying gas cap was in visible location, he did not even spray it).

if you look at forced appreciation you can do that as a strategy but you are still limited by market supply, market economics, property ages you can't control. the strategy we do Is build to rent development where you build an asset 25% below market through infill site selection, land entitlement which boosts property values, as well as refinance once the property is stabilized. new construction you can't build something unless it appraises 25% below market anyways. so I think the majority of biggerpockets is focused on the strategy you mentioned but part of what I try to do is show other strategies that involve land, new construction, build to rent development, land development, land entitlements, smart asset design of smaller floor plates, infill locations where equity and values are higher, etc. we do this in Columbus Ohio.

I'm going to look at price, location and pictures. 

It is located in an area that attracts college students/employees, working class families, and military families.

Hello, I am also located in Toronto and have around a decent sized portfolio in Cleveland.