I then advanced into an analyst type role sourcing and underwriting deals and existing investments, then eventually progressed into portfolio/asset management.I can tell you that nothing prepared me more for my analyst position than having the property management foundation.

But in my opinion it's much more important to evaluate the sponsor before the individual deal (because a good sponsor can make an okay deal great and a bad sponsor can make a great deal just okay or bad).

Hard money: “The Pros and Cons”Pro-All CASH Transaction-Quick Closing Times (<14days)-All “Rehab Cost” are covered in Loan-Lower Leverage for Buyer and more Liquidity-Flexibility to buy Distressed and Value-Add Properties-Loan based on Property and underwritten so Borrower is Profitable-Does not show up on Credit Report-No “DTI” (Debit to Income Ratio)CON-Higher interest rate than Bank-Shorter Repayment Schedule (<12 months)-More conservative evaluation of the Property’s Value-Not doing your research and working with a “Bait and Switch” Lender (check out our post on this)Real Estate is one of the most dependable and powerful ways to grow your wealth.

So the inspection just came back showing the following issues: - Mold in a few interior rooms- Evidence of rodents- Original roof requires repair, replacement and/or evaluation - there are active leaks in the attic - 7 out of 8 water heaters need replacing at any moment ($5600 total estimated)- 5 out of 8 A/C units need replacing at any moment ($25K total estimated)- A bunch of minor things need to be fixed, i.e.

Which will put you in a better position to evaluate whether the risk is worth the reward.

Being a landlord is still a work in progress for me.

It's the same basic criteria if you want a Fannie type loan.There are non-qm "dscr" type loans out there that will not evaluate your personal income, etc, but the rates/fees/terms are worse. 

Looking for help in evaluating a home I purchased and lived in for 2 years.  

I have been looking at a deal in Puyallup, Washington, and would really appreciate any advice and recommendations on how to better evaluate a home and ARV's.

As far as the home goes it sounds like you need someone to evaluate the situation in person and provide you with some options.