I live in Sacramento, and have noticed that people are offering either equal or above asking price even for homes that sometimes need 80-100k in repairs and I can't see how they would even make a profit doing that.

Especially if you haven't lived in the area previously and know the area.

House care, lawn care, condition of cars, street conditions, absence of pay-day loan shops... basically all the things you look for when determining where to live yourself. 

If you live paycheck to paycheck and do all this you are never going to become an investor because you aren't willing to change your lifestyle now for something you can have in a few years.  

@Malcolm Brown Would something like this fit in your buy box: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/84-Livings...?

I will be living in the guest house, while renting out the main.Both units are without washer and dryer units, my question is, do I supply them in the main house; or let potential tenants figure that one out?

Let them know how much you enjoy living in the home and mention that you’re planning to buy your own property in 2025.

Hi Colin, I live and invest in St.

If you qualify for both (you've lived in the property long enough and it is used for investment when you sell it) then you get to take both.

She has a ton of units in Des Moines and still lives in the area so may be able to give you some advice on what might work there and what won't.