I also used a HELOC on my current house hack to buy.

The answers are invariably yes for new investors, and usually for seasoned investors too—the reason being that you need to know what you are getting into.There is a second equally important reason, though, especially when buying from homeowners or investors: You can usually get a credit or additional work done based on the results of the inspection report.

If you had $100,000 to spend on properties, you could buy 1 property for $100,000, or you could borrow and put 25% down on 4 - $100,000 properties.  

I can find a nugget of information that guides me to understand where we are in an interest rate or buy/sell cycle. 

In Cleveland, OH you can buy properties that go way over the 1% rule and generate cash flow day 1. 

I have been buying in the north west metro (Delano) We have very similar hobbies and even day job, I work in Hvac. would love to  help anyway I can as you are starting out!

I have recently moved to Steadley Insurance Company for my rental properties as my insurance broker found they were cheaper than Liberty Mutual Insurance which I have had in the past.  I have had two occasions where S...

Are you a section 8 buyer by any chance?  

I think your idea of trying to buy it yourself is an excellent one!

Get your buy box down, remove all war zones from consideration, I personally look for 2-4 units for fixed rate debt.