I eventually tracked down the lady who owns it, gave her a call, and we had a friendly conversation about her house and real estate deals of her past.

Buy box: Location: Approx. 30 min drive to Boston Heights, for workNeighborhoods: Decent walkability score - not far from shops/restaurants/trendy neighborhoodsIdeal tenants: Close to hospitals/universities/schools for professionals/students/familiesBudget: $175-250K - Buying w/conventional loan, 5% down/ approx 20K reno.Property type: MFH 2-4 units - preferably side-by-side, with a yard we can fence for our dogUnits: 3+/1+ - better if 1.5/2 bath per unitTimeline: Plan to live there for 2 years, but possibly only 1 year if we find another investment opportunityGoal: Focus on appreciation - would like to see cash flow in year 2-3 (the year we move out), including overhead (Vacancies, Maintenance, Utilities) and budgeting in PM if eventually we don't manage ourselvesValue add: Opportunity for some forced appreciation, but not a full reno - cosmetic upgrades and updating kitchens/baths while we live in one unit.

You can find these in the forums, and on the social media site meetup.I know that you are just starting out, but I would love to be among the first buyers on your list!

I'm getting nervous that the area is eventually going to become unlivable because of the prohibitive cost of the insurance.

If you're up for some delayed gratification and tax free cash, I think it's a fantastic idea.I would recommend starting with a paint, flooring, kitchen, and bath renovation - more of a cosmetic fixer that can still qualify for conventional financing.

If you've got to ask this question, no, you should not start lending.

Hello, my name is Daryna and I am a sophomore in high school and I have been interested in real estate for a very long time. I have been reading books about it, listening to podcasts etc. I am planning to get my licen...

Do y’all have any advice on where I should start in the market?

congrats on getting started on your journey! 

I would recommend that you focus on which area you want to eventually settle down in.