Because I have cash to close; because I ALWAYS protect their commission/fee, and because I alway do what I say.To earn the kind of numbers the OP is anticipating takes ALL of the following1.

The Midwest might be worth a look—it's affordable and offers great cash flow potential.

So I can cash flow with less rent.   

A Lot of agents 1) don’t really know all the intricacies/procedures/rules/strategies to do a short sale and 2) don’t want to do all the extra work involved in one, for no extra fees.Attorneys are not great for negotiating/processing shorts sales…they often slow the process down are not needed.If it comes to that point, have a talk with your agent, and their broker, about switching to an agent with short sale experience.You would need to show a financial hardship though….as in you can Not afford to pay the negative cash flow indefinitely. 

I found that every property manager I encountered was a washed-up Realtor who couldn't hack it in sales and reluctantly resigned themselves to "slumming it" in property management. 

Like many I refinanced in ‘20 and locked in a 2.8% rate on my current property and I assume it can cash flow around 400-500/month if rented, or 125-140k net on a sale. 

To pay for the renovation, we did a cash out refinance.

You can still find tons of positive cash flow and the 1% rule and appreciation here in this market!

Great buy and hold area only if you let the cash sit in the property.

The duplex is currently in my name but was paid for in cash by a family member's line of credit.