Quote from @Bruce Woodruff: Quote from @Chris Seveney: I wanted to post this here, as there is another post in BP that intertwines with this.The crux of the issue is what Don mentioned in his opening post that people perceive the guru mentor shortcut or the cheap version for getting rich quick when many of these programs are not what they promise.

If you decide on the Midwest, I recommend not buying Class C 100 year old homes (what I did)  - there are issues with things breaking down, crime (stolen AC unit). 

There are lots of issues that can pop up that are out of your control with the HOA but affect your guests. 

Building the common connection/story that allows for you to relate to and build trust with your dream investor avatar3.

And are there any common pitfalls or crucial advice you wish someone had shared with you at the beginning of your investment career?

The large scale BRRR can be tricky, but having a JV from the start will help.My clients down in GA are doing well with a BRRR centered strategy, but focused on one, or both of these things to cash flow quickly:1) 2-4 unit properties2) Section 8In most lending circles, your 2-4 units are going to be classified in the same category as a SFH, so to rehab a hand full of those, you don't take the same kind of rate hit as the 5+ unit properties, but you also don't have the same kind of "experience" issues as you do with larger developments.

I haven't had a single issue or complaint at any of my units in 10 years.

If it was a less damaging issue I might wait it out, but water, fire and 'safety' (CO detector etc) and it would be on my schedule not theirs.

I feel like this is suchhh a common question for new house hackers, including myself. 

This can be particularly appealing if the seller is facing financial difficulties, needs to move quickly (perhaps due to relocation, divorce, or other personal issues), or the property has little to no equity and they can't afford to sell it through traditional means without bringing money to the closing.