I don't think your strategies work in the NYC and surrounding boroughs market, the price points are way out of control and if you are a newbie the sharks are already consuming all the market.

The market in the town has been growing a lot in the last few years.

If you aren't certain that you want to grow your portfolio, then maybe look to invest in something more passive such as a syndication. 

Marijuana not legal, think Brewery or growing mushrooms or vegetables like lettuce.2) Old shopping malls.

@Jon Holdman it's tempting to start a REIA like group, not do that and watch it grow bigger than many of them have.

I will talk with a CPA with real estate investing experience soon but would like to hear what some of you would do starting out with this deal, assuming you would like to grow your investment portfolio and also do more flips. 

I'm concerned that it might be tree roots growing into the pipe.

It seems like Phoenix is growing rapidly and that they are building down there and it won't be anytime too soon that the supply will meet the demand.

I'll echo what others have already said: I charge a minimum commission on cheap properties, and that can vary according to how time consuming I anticipate the deal (and sometimes the client) will be.As a broker, even I will agree that a great many agents are grossly overpaid, and marginally competent at best.

Pros and cons - pro: that area is growing and values should continue to increase.