EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

The heavy lifting is in WORKING the deal, not uncovering a potential deal.

There are never full photos of the mechanicals and basement and roof line so you will never have even a bare inkling of what the potential repairs will be.

I would recommend that you analyze the operating side of the business and the capital side of the business separately.On the operating side, you can use AirDNA to predict the potential income which is gross revenue.

They can go practically anywhere.Emotional Support Animals can be any type of animal - dog, cat, horse, peacock, komodo dragon...

– Considering Class A properties with established tenants• Less focus on appreciation – Prioritizing income stability over potential future gains Current Opportunity: I’m evaluating a retail property in downtown Portland with:• >80% occupancy, most tenants in place for 10+ years• Decent cap rate (6-7%), NNN lease• Well-maintained, high-quality building, with existing HOA which will take care of maintenance. 

@Apryl Skahill To get your risk-averse spouse on board with real estate investing, start by educating him with beginner-friendly resources that highlight the long-term stability, cash flow potential, and tax benefits of real estate, such as depreciation deductions and offsetting W-2 income.

Also this could be a potentially lucrative business partnership.

Potential redevelopment or ADU play. 

I'd focus on deciding what you want to do (flip-high risk, but potentially high return...or large loss; short term rental-more work, but higher return than long term rental; long term rental-less work than the other two, but lower return).Once you've decided which you want to do, then focus on getting the best house to meet your goal.