Timing is a concern but trying to time the market is extremely difficult.

I have concerns that the market may be peaking and reaching a point where values will begin to decline. 

Hi guys, I found a few 2 bed 1 bath condo in riverside CA for $50k (same community)It is section 8 approved.But it has an HOA of $250/monthI would want to do a a loan for 70% LTV so I can pick up a few of them and still have positive cash flow of about $200 each but I have a few concerns that I was hoping to get some opinions on. 1) HOA is pretty high and I hear that you should not buy investment properties in HOA communities. 2) I hear that it's hard to find financing for a loan size this small.

If you have concerns about your property tax assessment, try contacting them to ask for an informal review first - this is free!

@Eric Bilderback I Don't know any 'rules of thumb' for this situation, but I would be most concerned about when the electrical and plumbing were redone, check the foundation, hvac systems and roof.  

One last concern I had was the contractor told me they glued the rubber roof straight to they plywood instead of laying down felt. 

I'm concerned about cold calling brokers and somehow turning them off when they hear I'm an investor.

I once insisted on reading the 25 pages of documents that accompanied a no interest lead renovation loan.

@Karen A. you are right to be concerned about outside and underground issues.

My concern is that since I am starting out, finding a good contractor could be difficult and costly.