@Lee Behr I started going to the courthouse steps auction about a year ago and have bought 8 houses that way so far and I'm very much still in learning mode.

Very interested in learning more about rental properties and taking the dive.Also interested in learning more about the challenges serial investors have to see if there's opportunity for technology to improve the process.Can't wait to learn more about the industry and to start our first project.

And if you screen them yourself, do not neglect the important step of conducting a thorough rental history - not only evictions but look for a history of late pays and screen for three day notices issued by previous landlords. 

Next step is the tenant screening process.  

And, I do get comments about a Joint Venture  an experienced note investor (and see the advantages to it, regarding the fact that there is less risk in starting out) but I honestly feel like me and my partner are able to learn what we must, will put in the needed time to acquire our first notes, not be weary to the challenges, and learn a proper system on our own.

It says that your gross monthly rent should be equal to or more than 1% of your purchase price.Getting 1% can be challenging in NJ due to high cost of real estate and is not a "to live by" rule but more a guide line.You can still have a good investment if your rental income is less.RegardsChris

Unless someone can talk me out of out of it, I believe my first step is buying a 2-5 door multi-family for a great deal.

2) given their offer would cover more than my capex costs if I just did the $4,000 soil leveling, what would your next steps on the negotiation be?

You have to be willing to do what others won't to succeed.With my brokerage I can't take a chance on verbal that someone will follow the steps to succeed.

Hello all,This is my first step for my future investment.