@Jason Graves Invest in a properties with your end game already in mind.

@Scott PassmanWelcome to Bigger Pockets.

@Raheem Jenkins We also have a meetup with some of the bigger pockets folks once a month or sometimes every other month.

I listen to bigger pockets on a daily and have learned a ton from the podcast and from real estate investing books!

As for the rest, there are major differences between Net Operating Income and Net Annual Income (or annual Cash Flow – which I consider the real measure of an investment performance, how much money puts in my pocket on a regular basis) and Cash on Cash Return on Investment.Net Operating Income is calculated before debt.Net Operating Income = Gross_Annual_Rent – (Vacancy + Operating_Expenses)Where Operating Expenses = Taxes + Insurance + Monthly HOA x 12 + Monthly Management Fee x 12 + Repairs and Incidentals (Warranty, Utilities if any paid by owner and/or during vacancy, CapEx reserves, etc., don’t forget the CPA and Lawyer costs) Again Net Operating Income is calculated before debt - what matters more is the NET Annual Income (or annual cash flow): NET Annual Income = Net_Operating_Income - Mortgage_PaymentsAnd that leads to the Cash on Cash Return on Investment: C/C ROI = Annual Cash Flow / (Down Payment + Closing Costs)And I’m willing to bet you don’t get C/C ROI above 10% on any SFR in Austin area (based on these calculations and bought with conventional means, not subject-to or assumptions, or owner financing or other creative financing).

**mini footnote:  A wholesaller is similar to a Real Estate agent, but without the fees & deals worked are always off market, exclusive deals.It was extremely competitive and very exciting and I learned a whole lot.One of the challenges with the market in Madison County is that there are many many deep pockets not only in the area but also those that have trickled down from Middle Tennessee not to mention investors from throughout the worldthat are looking invest in real estate just like you.A lot of my Nashville Buyers have been asking about purchasing deals in Madison county for years.Real estate agents that I have worked with in the area say that there is zero inventory and if something comes available, the buyer has to be 100% ready otherwise someone else will get the deal.That being said, I personally think that there is a lot of potential in untapped areas of Madison County.One of the biggest differences between Nashvilles market in Huntsville‘s is that there hasn’t been anyone that has been brave enough to build/Rehab/re-vamp areas that are undesirable i.e. north side.

Aside from the book I am currently reading from bigger pockets, are there any books you would recommend for me to move on to after?

I am new to the real estate game and am looking at my first deal.

I highly recommend Jason Flemming of CIBC.He understands the real estate investment game and very objective.

Something to keep in mind with STR, that's tied to why REI is a smart game to play - control is the name of the game.You want to control the guests and rates (vet them in hopes of avoiding property damage, set rates to attract those willing to pay more for quality)You want to control the costs (furnishings, consumables, cleaning/repair/plumbing/electrical)You want to control the property (choice of property, location, financing terms, well or city water, septic or city sewer, etc)This is all going to be very hard to do, if not impossible, if you don't OWN THE PROPERTY.