We have seen that having a professional marketing piece builds credibility which is invaluable in this business. 

I'm starting out doing redeemable tax deeds and going to auctions where everybody has "bigger pockets" than I do.

If you’re interested in investing in real estate, you can consider doing so with a Self-Directed IRA to defer taxes on capital gains until you actually withdraw the funds from your IRA.

I would be beneficial to determine if they are other aspects of the property that make it a worthwhile investment (tax, appreciation etc). 

This creates two loan payments ($100,000 of equity and $300,000 on the new mortgage).Key NumbersHome Equity Loan Interest Rate: 6%Mortgage Interest Rate: 7%Rental Income: $3,000 per monthExpenses (management, taxes, insurance, maintenance): $800 per monthIncome and ExpensesMonthly Rental Income: $3,000Monthly Expenses: $800Monthly Mortgage Payment: $2,000ExplanationThe investor earns $3,000 in rent each month.They pay $2,000 on the investment property mortgage and $800 on other expenses.This leaves $200 profit each month or $2,400 per year.However, you have to pay $6,000 interest on the equity borrowed.This leaves you with an annual loss of $3,600.While the rental property generates positive monthly income, the interest cost of borrowing the initial $100,000 results in an overall loss.

I recently saw someone turn around a three-family property there by targeting tenents like teachers and nurses.. stable professionals who value quality housing.

Attitude and professionalism are paramount; product knowledge next, and then there's your contact/follow-up systems.Put that together, price-test against the market, and you'll have a sustainable, constantly expanding, and very profitable venture.Good luck! 

Are they being professionally managed or DIY managed?

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

example:Purchase Price: $70kRehab: $30kARV: $200kRent: $1,500I can pull out up to $150k but with taxes and insurance I’d be in the red.