@Tracy Scott it's highly dependent on the deal, the type of property and the location.In addition to the items others have mentioned, here are some of the biggest potential start-up expenses that I study closely before buying a property:Foundation/structure--this is one of my few "deal breakers", I typically will not purchase a property with significant foundation or structural issues.

Is it a good idea to send them a no pressure letter in the mail proposing a conversation to possibly to solve there issue?

I have 200k in liquid cash (yes this was self earned thru 5yrs of sacrifices and hard work 12-16hr days 7days a week with maybe a month in the summers as break to see family back home, but i dont want to do this forever) My dad and I want to be partners going into these deals. there is a new construction 4plex i am looking to build which will be 775k that i will put 25% down (half me half my dad) which will cash flow net 2k /mo if i rent it out LT (COC of 11% which isnt bad and apparently my agent who recently worked on a neighboring new build said the appraisal after its built is mid/high 800s, also my plan is after 2yrs to REFI at lower rate). i am considering to have 2 of the units as MTR for local nurses or construction crews which of course can increase profits much more.i also have a 3acre property that i am thinking to build small 2bd 1ba cabins and use as STR/MTR/LTR. but i am also wanting to do do STR as i love the concept and have watched Robuilt everyday learning from him. i am looking to buy land in a mountain/ski town (189k 10acres) and build a beautiful aframe and use as a STR. all these property ideas are close by to me so i will have a close look on them and will manage myself. i have just been consuming knowledge endlessly the last 3months in preparation for this decision.but as you can see my head is all over and im unsure what the correct first step will be. i have many goals and visions of what i want to do i just need some help making a correct first decision on those who are far more experienced than me in this real estate space so i use my capital in the most efficient way. i understand real estate is long game and i have no issues with that but i would like to at a minimum cashflow 100k a month by the time im 30. this is a big goal but i have 8yrs to do this. thank you for your help i look forward to the responses(side note: i am not considering house hacking as i live with my family, this will possibly be an option in the future)

Maybe.But with us being so new to the real estate game, I'm glad we were able to learn the lessons we did early on and are able to ask them going forward to any lenders we speak with for future deals. this is one of the issue  you run into with Wet closings the seller wants a check the second they sign.. out here on the West coast lenders wont fund until they have all the docs signed and back to them then they fund the next day and seller gets paid the following day.. it has to do with what the local closings process's that are in place..

@Thomas Ungrady is a member here (though I can’t tag him because we are not colleagues).

If you are going to go heavy into real estate investing, there are many ways to defer taxes, so losing the personal residence deduction may not be an issue.

@Thomas Rutkowski, You also state "...And because of the fact that it is done through a qualified intermediary, the depreciation recapture is deferred for the same reason that it is in a 1031 exchange.Readers should take note that the California Franchise Tax Board has issued negative guidance regarding using the Deferred Sales Trust, Monetized Installment Sale or other installment sales techniques to "save" a failed 1031 Exchange. 

Sounds like a whole lot of issues over nothing as someone with 45 units blinds and a few holes are the least of your worries the turn over and vacancy cost to replace a tenant would far exceed some minor miscellaneous cosmetics.

The other issue is condos built prior to 1978 in Los Angeles are likely subject to LA Rent Control.

i have great cleaners, no issues with reviews for the year.