For example, a property in San Diego may lose $500 per month ($6,000 per year) but gain $60,000 per year in value, making it worthwhile to "lose" money each month in exchange for long-term gains.I recommend you start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

the midwest has lower price points than other areas of the US, sure, but it also comes with its own challenges - for example, very old housing stock, lots of deferred maintenance, and tremendous demand for the best properties."

Answer sure.. have to check if there is a due on sale clause or if you have a PG to the orignal seller.. that mortgage stays in your name unless there is a formal assumption  Maybe the example is more challenging for a house as the property.Ex. with vacant land - seller finances to me $20k with 5% down and $1k/moCan I after 1-2 months, then resell the land to a cash buyer for $25k, pay off the original $20k and pocket the $5k?

For example, in my state PA there is an inheritance tax and many TAX auction properties originate from people passing away and the heir(s) not taking control over the estate and paying those property taxes.

For example in Southern California many apartments do not come with refrigerators.

Here is an example: We run a fund that has a transfer agent that handles the cap table.

For example, my appliance store gives me a 10% discount, so I charge a 5% markup to my owners to make a little money and the owner still saves 5% from retail. 

Example 1: Buy property for 1.4M.

For example, I mention that every adult must pay a $30 application fee, pass my credit/criminal background, make a combined income of 3x the rent, and whether or not the property accepts pets.

For details: One example property is a SFH, south west of Little Rock (close to 430 and 30 intersection), price is 230.