I am a newbie but from what I hear overpaying on your first flip or two is very common. you probably should just bid on more properties.

FI with a huge buffer for law suits, life changes, health issues, etc.

Mortgage terms range from 6-months to 7-10 years (7 & 10 year mortgages are fairly recent and not frequently used as they come at a premium) with the most common term being 5-years.   

If you went in right now and started making renovations to common areas AND started increasing the legal rent annually at the limit, it would be 20+ years to get those free market.There are other ways, but not recommended for first timers nor faint of heart.

Most people would think that taking a big, fat, obscene, unconscionable, UNSUSTAINABLE (blah blah blah) California public pension, and fleeing to the Midwest would be the ultimate golden parachute for a common, blue collar working man like myself.

To that end, it would be in your best interests to come to an REI meeting pre-loaded with some useful information, especially about your local market since that will most likely be the most common subject covered. 

Let the lender order the appraisal. Don’t think by already having an appraisal it is going to speed up your loan processing. It’s typically a mistake and will ultimately cost you more money on another appraisal.Most h...

The tenant is back from a mental health stay, threatening neighbors at 4 AM, etc.

The units have to meet certain cleanliness and health and safety standards, but the HA doesn't set how and when the LL has to do so.  

If your in development its very common for the city to ask for them on a new street or in front of a new project.