Myself and a friend are looking to get into real estate investing, specifically buy and hold or flipping, and we've been doing our due diligence over the past few months listening to podcasts, reading books, etc.

There has also been an addition of a pool and a finished barn.

If it is currently occupied use the income approach and a market cap rate.

Great upside and great risk imo and a lot of work.

The way the bank finances an 8-plex and a duplex that you occupy is completely different so be careful with how you plan your purchase. 

Both clients are very happy with the results and they both walked away with money in their pockets.It was a win-win for everyone and a true double success story. 

I think what you are looking for is someone trained in the ways of real estate investing - an agent that will:Introduce you to FSBO's - Expired Listings and other real estate opportunitiesWill be your fiduciary representativeWill make offers for you on suitable real estateWho understands creative financing; delayed settlement, seller assisted financing, assignment, wholesaling, REO, tenant selection, soft money mortgages, tax salesWho will be responsive to your financial goals and a person of integrity and trustHelp with direct mail and street marketing to locate transactionsHousing and rent court marketingAbsolute aware of financial and contract clauses as well as contract engineeringCan assist in - delayed settlement - automatic extension, performance mortgages, subordination, principal mortgages, options and joint venturesAware of bidding on REO, forclosures, tax sales and public auctionsUp to speed on commercial real estate, lots and land as well as businesses with real estateHow should you treat this wonderful person (if you can find one) -They should have a commitment from in the form of a Fiduciary Buyers Brokers AgreementYour agreement to pay them a commission on any non-listed deals they bring youA bonus agreement for great deals that you closeA gas budget - or a cash payment for gas Kind words and respectTo be sincere and active with the agentRespect from youFirst class training on how to represent youSometimes an equity interest in the great deals the agent has initiatedListings when you are ready to sellYour cooperation - all your financials, tax returns and other information that will help your agent close dealsA few free lunches ----Good luck --- Charles

This couple has suggested that they receive that compensation, AND a percentage of the profits from the sale.

Then moved into BRRRRs and a few flips.

@Matthew CopelandBased on the numbers your presenting "only have $5,500 or $11,000", seems like your planning to begin by maxing out 2017 contributions for yourself (5,500) and a "partner" (another 5,500).