Starting small and scaling up is a tried-and-true path, and this community is filled with people who’ve walked that road and are eager to share their experiences.Feel free to ask questions, share your wins (and challenges), and tap into the collective knowledge here.

So, 400k - 500k sounds like lots of money but if you wanna operate in the 300k+ entry point it get can swallowed up quick.One strategy I'd try is to be a buyer at the auctions, win a bid on a good house, close on it in cash (you should be a great deal under market value) and then get into a delayed purchase bridge loan product which will cash you out a certain percentage of the purchase and supply the rehab funds. 

It can be a conversation in search of a win-win, a mutual effort vs adversarial negotiation as on-market is designed to be. 

The fact someone wanted to show a 20% versus a 15% return by using a lower interest rate, meant increased risk, which you either win or lose, since you're gambling.2. 

I also read in real estate by the numbers that it's risky to bet on market appreciation.

The work we put in today may not show immediate results, but the fact that we are taking action is a win and over time, it builds into something far greater.

My son just joined the Navy and now that I’m an empty nester I want to make a shift and bet on myself!

I know cash flow can be challenging in Texas but if you are anywhere near break even it's a win as long as you're in a good area because values are only doing one thing over time in that DFW metro.

I’m almost hoping she rejects my offer because it’s so complicated, but it kinda seems like it could be a win win.We pay $2600/monthI’d offer her $3k/month ($600k @5% 30year amortization) plus I handle taxes and insurance.

It is better to find a win/win as you cannot force them to stay.