The trick is to know the market and have a solid strategy for your approach.

The best strategy I seem to have deployed so far was to contact all my current tenants and let them know I’d give them a cash referral fee of $250 for anyone they recommend to me that goes through the vetting process and successfully moves in.

It was strategy, patience, and knowing how to find and execute the right deals.

Only criminal charges will stop that train. 

They have a good set of advertisements that focus on their whole house strategy which is good IMHO.We are running about 50/50 on bookings for 2025 right now.

I'm eager to learn more about:Identifying undervalued properties: Are there any specific strategies or resources you recommend for finding deals below market value?

During this time, I found myself unemployed and having difficulty finding a new job due to not completing my degree or having formal training beyond high school or military.

Focus on one strategy, practice analyzing deals, and take consistent small steps like attending events and building relationships.

People investing in Indianapolis have a far different strategy than people investing in SF. 

I personally would revisit your strategy of buying a negative cash flow property in SoCal, right now.