@Jock Tilghman I don't consider myself a very sophisticated investor but here's how I've been doing it: I simply wouldn't purchase a property if I wasn't very confident that it would rent for at least a $3-500 more than the monthly payment on a 30 year fixed mortgage.

I believe successful investors practice their craft regularly allowing them to gain more experience, confidence, and opportunities as a result.

They are targeting business travelers / professionals (it's their first time doing this, so who the ideal market is for them is up for debate - but the idea is to attract quiet people who can afford it).  

I've always been naturally frugal and have been a huge proponent of passive income but after months of reading, researching, and listening to the BP podcast, I've built up enough confidence and a tiny bit of knowledge to make it happen. 

Its important to look back and see the distance traveled.

I live In the Central Valley (Tracy) but willing to travel to as far as the Bay Area for a consultation that can’t be done via email or phone. 

Typically, people stay in hotels or other lodging (AirBnB/VRBO) but I wanted to take a different approach.I would be looking to purchase a duplex with the intent to finish the basement and either convert to a full triplex if allowed or keep it as a duplex and rent out the basement separately.The Joint Travel Regulation (JTR) states that a member is not authorized lodging reimbursement if the member purchases or already owns a property that is used for lodging during official travel.It’s clear that I won’t be authorized reimbursement if I purchase the property under my name, but what if the title is under my LLC with me as the sole owner and rent out one of the units (probably the basement) to myself? 

Gives me more confidence investing there!

It cost me about 25-30k with me doing most of the work.Currently, I'm adding a full second story that im very confident will increase my monthly cash flow from $2250 to $3750 but will probably end up costing me close to 80k by the time I'm done.

The seller is an elder couple that have multiple units within the condominium, but are looking to start an exist strategy as they are travelling too much to self-manage and want the extra cash.