The market is hot across the country so this might be the ideal time to dump this property.

It's not an easy decision to make to come work at a base in the 'hot zone'.

There are three different stages that you will find properties in right now - needing a lot of work ( competing with the local flippers) light work ( hot hot market in most of DFW) and turn key ( competing with the FTHB) Are you looking to house hack ?

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.

So in the worst case, I'm living for free.Other variables: It's a 1-acre lot that's zoned for multi-family and has enough leftover space that I could use someday for a triplex or just divide it and sell.New roof in 2019, new hot water heater and HVAC within the last 3 years.The utilities are combined so I'd either have to include it in the rent or work out another solution.I think I can get it at $120,000 with either 15% down on an investor loan or 5% down on a conventional mortgage.Taxes: $950Insurance: $1200I would manage it myself for now.In my various scenarios, I either run $1000 a year for expenses for living in the main house and renting out the MIL suite or up to $3000 a year in expenses for the student rental scenario.

Cold calling is a hot topic right now and I have seen several dozen do extremely well with it. 

I did work with an incredible realtor in Cornwall Ontario Canada. that's where I did this Reno. he helped me determine one an ARV and come up with some numbers for rent and gave me tons of heads up. also worked with the people from Upper Canada mortgage!

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.

Hi Lynne,Gunshot alley is no place to raise a family.If you want to move quickly and move up to a nicer lifestyle, there are a lot of LARGE Multi-family apartment complexes in the area.Many will have pools, hot tubs, gyms, dog walking parks, Amazon Delivery boxes, and the freedom from having to cut the grass or maintain the structure, and best of all no property taxes to deal with--all in return for one monthly fee.If this is something you are interested in, go visit a few properties (after dark) and see if they "Feel" safe to you at night.https://www.apartments.com/santa-rosa-ca/Just my 2 cents!  

I'm a bit worried about signing a contract with a property management group that acts as though they'll do a great job, but then becomes incredibly difficult to work with when it matters.I'm wonder what kind of questions I should be asking when consulting with different companies (other than "what's your fee?").