Finally- those off market deals often require finesse, cash and negotiation skills that are really tough to navigate for someone with no experience.

As you all know, this area: anything close to DC or close by suburbs are very expensive and tough market for newbies.Since I'm new to the area and to REI; I'm looking to meet up and connect with like-minded friends, agents, contractors and investors to learn more about the area and investment strategies.Right now, I live in Manassas Area and looking to invest in the area closer to DC, Chantilly, Aldie, Gainesville, Haymarket, Fairfax, etc.Any recommendations on hot areas are greatly appreciated.Thank you so much in advance for all your valuable feedbacks.

It's just tough to execute profitably. 

It is tough learning by myself and from online videos because I do not understand how to apply all the information and strategies that I have learned to my direct market. 

I have switched GCs and the newest one is making me front the cost of his general liability and workers' comp because he said this was an industry standard and it would be very worrisome if a GC is not passing on this insurance cost to me as the owner of the property. 

It's tough to do, right?

That is a tough question.  

Again, this is just assuming vanilla MLS deals.Tracy, Lathrop, Sacramento are tough for this strategy.

The market in Columbus, Ohio is tough but not impossible.

It was also tough to get investors on-board with the market given how it's economically dependent on the military.