You mentioned you wanted to get away from StreetEasy and Property Shark.

For me when the market tanks I am out and for that reason I am better off with income products which includes RE. 

On the thought of appreciation, you should be looking to hold longer than 2 years, with transfer taxes/commissions/etc you won't be sitting pretty unless the market tanks tomorrow and rebounds that quick.  

The market tanked in 1986, and people who got in at that point got wiped out.

This is a time where sharks are winning, and new investors can become their prey.

The inspector can give you a report and summarize what they find wrong with the property ( a good one will even note an old ac unit, or an old water tank).

I've had several people tell me in the past that they've had "sharks" offer them lowball offers on their property.

(Treat the agents well, fill their tank up with gas, buy lunch), You may want to start by calling the local real estate office, but whom ever answer the phone, ask to speak to the manager or broker.

If it doesn't cash flow, then you are banking on appreciation, and if the markets tank next year (everyone keeps saying how hot it is right now), you lose your shirt.

(You could be locked out......timing is very important).Some of the items in the file folder include;A skinny contract of sale...... this is a one page written in easy to understand language with only one out clause.A Hybrid contract of sale... a way to close more transactions by joint ventureA commercial contract of sale, 3 pages with special buyer requirements related to environmental conditions, existing suppliers, surveys, buried oil tanks and other conditions that must be known to make a profitable and safe transactionAn option agreementAn informational pocket pack with 52 options to financing and control a building without conventional financingBlank checks, pens, carbon paper, A list of referencesDisclosures for lead paint and other state or federal requirementsCell phone with camera to take pictures of the nice things and negative aspects of the property and to take a picture of the contract to email confirmation to seller and to your title company or lenderA gift, something for the seller to remember you by, I give Indian Head Nickels away, pens, note pads.Blank addendum forms  - these are used to attach to your purchase agreements (you don't want a lot of chicken scratching on your contracts; use them to write some of the following;1.