Welcome to BiggerpocketsYouve come to the right place for help.there numerous threads and podcasts on getting started.Many start with savings for down payments

The situation: Recently moved back to where I was born and raised (Vallejo, CA/Bay Area) and after several interviews I'm needing to decide between a few job offers:1-Enterprise Rent-A-Car (Mgmt Trainee)2-Sequoia Equities (Apt Leasing Consultant)3-Redfin (Sales support)The dilemma: I do have an interest in REI, would love to be able to coordinate some flips as well as delve into buy and hold Multifamily opportunities (which is where prop mgmt comes into play).

There are numerous risks that those flipping houses face, that buy and holders do not, most obviously market risk (cycles) and time/delay pressure, but also people management (contractors) etc.

I am a HUD listing agent and had bought numerous HUD homes prior to becoming a HUD listing agent.

This was a surprise because we were told they numerous times they had been.For every project we had received invoices for permits.Looking back me and my partners were very ignorant and stupid not to check for a license number.The project we are currently doing, the 3rd deal we immediately stopped and are now hiring a real licensed contractor.

The great thing about joining  is the numerous classes and events they offer ( many are free to members).

Some background: my friend is a tenant who has been living rent-free in a unit for over ten years but is a professional painter and has been painting numerous properties/units for the landlord in lieu of rental payments.

I’ve read numerous real-estate investing books and habitually read and listen to Bigger Pockets daily.

I can offer a list of services I would expect:Leasing fee covers:PricingMarketingMedia advertisingMember of Multiple Listing Service  and syndicated to numerous internet marketing toolsRealtor referral networkOn-call 24 hours including weekends and holidaysShowing, screening and negotiatingCredit reportsThorough background checksDocument preparationManagement Fee Covers:Move-in/move-out coordinationMove-out inspections with digital picturesEnforcement of lease termsTenant public relationsTimely rent collectionComputerized accounting and property management systemsFunds managed by a trust accountTimely disbursement of funds to ownerMonthly statements covering all activityCPA ready annual consolidated statementsScheduled property surveysMaintenanceProperty Repair Services24 hour on-call service for emergency repairs including weekends and holidaysRepair “help line” service at no costReputable maintenance personnelVolume pricing on supplies and servicesSpring A/C service and lawn treatment at owner’s optionUpdating, decorating and refurbishing if desiredInstallation of security devices (locks, etc) as required by law

There are numerous areas around downtown zoned RM which allows for more than one unrelated person.