Appraisals are done by professionals that perform a thorough analysis including location considerations, zoning, comparable sales, and any potential restrictions on development.

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

Again, think about the animals you are allowing in, what they can potentially do, then talk to your insurer for guidance.Yes, you want to be listed as "additional interest" on every policy.

Charles for potential appreciation, as well as the Webster Groves/Maplewood/Brentwood/Richmond Heights area, but it seems like the ratio of price to potential rent for house hacking just doesn't work as well as South City.

house hacking is the best way to get started, period.in each of the above - do more than the person who wants to call 1 lender and go to 1 meeting and look at 3 potential house hacks. 

However, just on the basis of time value if money, I would be reluctant to invest any money with no return to potentially have return in the future when further work is done.  

Really new to this and not sure where to start but see the value and potential of real estate investing and want to start.

One popular option is multifamily syndication, which has a lot of potential for scaling up.

Not only can you find potential properties, you can do a lot of research in there as well. 

I would recommend focusing on the education piece right now, doing research, and potentially signing up for a program so you can learn more about how real estate properties are taxed.