There are so many DIY channels on Youtube, with their own off-channel websites with step by step guides. http://www.palatinremodeling.com/top-10-diy-channels-on-youtube/I agree that hiring things out is probably a better use of one's time as an investor than doing it yourself, but I'm of the same mind as you to try to do some of this stuff at first because I'm going to do a more traditional buy and hold pattern where I won't be able to acquire properties very rapidly, so it's not like I'd be missing out on deals by undertaking certain repairs/improvements myself.

I'm on the central coast of California, retired and want to invest in real estate, as my iras and credit union account are rapiding declining with inflation, fees and taxes.My idea is to invest in 1 income property, perhaps a SFR, then obtain a 2nd one a year later when the 1st property is stabilized.

You may want to consider Grand Rapids or the entire western shoreline between St.

Evolve seems to be entering the Poconos vacation rental market rapidly; unfortunately, it appears they seem to be driving down the market pricing by trying to capture more market share. 

I think the Midwest has some attractive areas as well, West Michigan ie Grand Rapids is pretty great.

If the area starts to rapidly develop, then investors will experience positive appreciation but need to be mindful of rent control, property tax changes, etc.

I am currently looking for a small bank or credit union in the Northwest Minneapolis area (Coon Rapids, Champlin, Plymouth Area) to open a business account with.

I am hoping to get into my first investment and rapidly grow my portfolio, perhaps even start an REI company.

I also feel like a lot of those numbers are skewed by new construction, which has vastly favored Hoboken/Jersey City/Weehawken, but less so the rest of the county.For what it's worth, home prices in 06/07 in this area were at what I think most would consider irrational levels: like, wouldn't make sense as an investment unless you were anticipating rapid appreciation or a rapid increase in rent prices (neither of which happened).

My business partner and I grew up in a small town in southwest Michigan centralized between Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and Grand Rapids and always looked at the "big" cities as a place of unlimited opportunity.