(Some of the books that helped me the most I have read multiple times) Financing your deals is not impossible if you have downpayment money, but if you have a BK and no cash, you're right, it's very challenging. 

The Miami (and South Florida) market in general can be quite challenging to find the very good deals.

@Thomas RutkowskiI don't need to prove facts, like I said most people here are intelligent enough to do their own research and make educated decision that cash value life insurance is not for them.The reason you are defending this strategy because you too are making up to 90% commissions on the sale of this scheme. 

I've invested in a few crowdfunding deals but I would like to begin buying up small multi-family properties in my, somewhat limited, spare time.I come from a blue collar background, so I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty and I don't mind a good challenge. 

My biggest challenge is going to be putting together a reliable team.  

As mentioned there are a lot of challenges with investing out of state, in particular for folks new to real estate investing.

The challenge in our market is that there is an extremely limited supply of duplexes...which is why many people starting out jump into the room share strategy.

As we all know challenges arise that were not figured in the original scope and I ran into two main problems.1.

Lindsay, it sounds like you have a bit of a challenge on your hands. 

I have a good deal of experience with renovations, loans, use of hard money, access to MLS, knowledge of my local market, etcThat being said, I am excited to begin investing in RE but here are my challenges.. 1) I am a HUGE believer in 15 year mortgages.