I had no idea that pre-purchase sweat equity was a thing.

It's not worth stressing over that stuff.Get some experience, network with people and put in some sweat work or $$ in advertising.I don't advertise on zillow but I've had friends that are actual agents and not investors use their service and they do get 2-5 extra deals a year which more than covers the advertisement costs.Real estate involves luck but it involves putting a lot of time, money, and effort into it first usually before you get anything out of it.

Always happy to see more agents join the forums.Don't sweat the test.

I don't mind trading some sweat equity.  

I want to eventually get into flipping as I am able to do most repair work myself and am not afraid of sweat equity.

The point is, whatever way you choose, make sure it aligns with your values and goals, and throw your heart and sweat in it.

I read that if you have a "one guy" registered agent or "mom and pop" and you get served legal papers and you never get them or the Registered Agent is not on top of it......it could really damage your business.So it sounds like if you don't get issued any legal papers or get contacted for anything legal, the Registered Agent does not do very much.I appreciate your advice and won't sweat it as much as I have been!

Are you possibly looking for a Sweet fixxer upper deal where you could live and build 'sweat equity'?

The loan prohibits using the property as a rental, so I'm considering refinancing the loan and using it as my first rental, and using my cash reserves (I'm currently paying down debt and plan to save around $25K) to purchase another investment property as owner occupied, rehab it (sweat equity), and then put it up for rent as well.Is this crazy?

This can be tax advantageous for them (minimize capital gains), allow you to get better financing/manage cash flow/negotiate on terms (IO months, etc), provide them long-term cash flow secured against an asset that they have knowledge about.Have you considered bringing on a partner who provides capital/re-positioning experience (you provide the sweat equity and your existing share in the building)?