Buy in a market not too far away, 30 to 1 hr from a decent city center where values are reasonable and a city push out with help your rent and appreciation. 

Starting with one property is a smart way to learn the ropes, and as you grow, networking with local agents and other investors can be invaluable.

As noted above, a cash deal with all capital liquid in an account today is going to be taken much more seriously than a financed deal or a syndicated deal.  10% EM hard at contract signing and a 45 day close with no extensions will be taken more seriously than 3% EM hard after 30 days, with a 60 day close and 2x 30 day extensions.  

CompetencyAfter 4 and a half years of Dave’s mentoring, attending Strategic Investor Alliance meetings (accredited investor group in the Philly area), and thousands of accredited investor calls, I know a good deal when I hear/see one.

Here are key adjustments:Kitchen ($50k): Likely $60k-$70k for custom cabinetry, quartz, and premium appliances.Bathrooms ($40k): Expect closer to $50k-$60k for four bathrooms with high-end finishes.Flooring ($20k): Likely $25k-$30k for engineered hardwood, refinishing, and tile.Exterior ($12k): More realistically $15k-$18k with landscaping and a quality front door.Misc.

A few days before the sale the frame farm house was burnt to the ground and all that was left was the standing brick chimney and a lage pile of ashes. 

Here's the breakdown:Financing: We used a seller carry deal with 25% down ($100k), a 30-year term (balloon in 10 years), and a 4.68% interest rate.

This gives you flexibility and a clearer understanding of how you’ll proceed based on market changes.

Hello,I am a Software Engineer and a Real Estate Investor working on a tech product for the real estate mortgage brokers.

That makes a real difference.Initially we had one originator, one part-time processor, and a part-time admin assistant.