Once we find a few properties that work, we put in offers.

It's interesting you happened to message because I'm from the Toledo area and I have recently been putting more thought into considering Columbus, but I still need to put in more research on the market.

The TLDR is that if you can take the money you would have otherwise put in the property and invest it somewhere with higher returns then you could be better off doing it that way even if it means smaller or no monthly cashflow because money in your hand now is more valuable than the same money in the future.

I put in an offer where it would work for my budget and waited it out over a few weeks of being in touch with the realtor and letting him know my interest at my price.

I put in a well, brought in electricity, a gravel driveway, a septic tank, and a fence around part of it for my horse.  

In the past 5 months, we have put in multiple offers on REO, auction, HUD, and Fannie Mae properties, without much success.

If they are going to "help" you, everything should be put in writing and signed, just like a purchase contract.

That's no big deal if it's just a room being used as a bedroom, but imagine ripping out that nice kitchen and bathroom you put in!

If you are thinking of doing it in Los Angeles, it is likely a pass.The City of Los Angeles has put in strict rules on what kind of properties can be used for STR and for how many days.

@Nick C.Because when someone is serious about transforming their life, and they constantly hear the marketplace is full of scammers, they decide to sit out and miss an opportunity.The other problem is that most people don't put in the work to achieve the results.