Hi Sandra N.

Certainly you cannot expect to drop into a new industry and know it from day one {Something, I wish they would drive home in MBA programs}, but the underlaying financials of a successful real estate business mirror those of any other successful business - the product or service being delivered is different.When we (my partner and I) ventured into real estate, I was aghast by how many buy-n-hold real estate investors did not run their properties like a business (now it is just amusing).  

I have a two family n lynn 46 bulfinch st lynn ma , 6 rooms , 3 bath for 350,000

@William Howley  not sure about Tampa but I have been funding deals for 3 plus years in Orlando.the wholesale prices have risen 20 to 50% across the board.but rents have not risen 20 to 50% across the board.. ergo what was in that market is no more.I bought foreclosures also in ft. myers in 2011 and those just hit the 2% rule.what I see for N.

speculation [ˌspekyəˈlāSH(ə)n]NOUNthe forming of a theory or conjecture without firm evidence: There is plenty of evidence that supports appreciation rates and rent growth. 

I personally think prudent to look at a hybrid approach and invest in various strong markets passively in deals difficult for small investor to do actively while saving active funds for your local bread n butter deals, flipping, buy n holds of SFR. 

Originally posted by @Roy N.

I have a 2 family for sale that needs a bunch of work.I'm only selling it because I have a few projects on n the table,  it might be a good option for you if your interested let me know. 

I have been investing off and on for about 8 years now, buying and selling, doing rentals, lease options, fix-n-flips and whatever comes along.  

Thanks for the info Percy N. !!