So they have fees structures that reward them for leasing units, maintaining occupied units, repairing and cleaning units after tenant move out and turning over units to a new tenant. 

Appreciation is far less speculative than Midwestern investors make it out to be, and to the extent that it is more speculative, the reward is much greater.So, buy LA, my friend!

i would consider trying to "house hack" or maybe even a live in flip. both of these options allow you to get in a home with low money down and help build equity quickly or live for free while a tenet pays your mortgage. look for a duplex triplex or 4plex live in one and rent the others. youll be able to live for very cheap or maybe even free if you get a great deal. if you dont like the idea of living next to tenets find a property that just needs some work fix it up while living in it and reap the reward of sweat equity when you go to sell or refinance 

Example, burger places are pretty much going to be fast food outlets unless you do a tear-down. 

Having kids come over and wreck the house when I was gone; taking my food and throwing it all over the kitchen and not cleaning it up... and more.  

I need to boost my income at least $1200 fast when I start investing cause I currently have insurance and food stamps through the government and will lose them when I make more.

Looking at the DC/NOVA region specifically, if you haven't checked out this bigger pockets podcast yet, it can be pretty helpful and offer some food for thought. https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

That's what I would consider a bullying/gorilla tactic.Invariably, a Starbucks in a college food court/student union or strip mall location is invariably an anchor, or at least a destination business.Well, I guess they do it "''cause they can."

I loved that business.. chasing court house steps foreclosures for a number of years was exciting but LOTS OF work and lots of deals that never come together.HML in when its good is good.. and in the last 8 years or so as we became an accidental builder  that's been challenging and fun and basically very rewarding on certain projects.. some not so much.Stacking up a couple hundred C D class rentals while nice for tax etc.. was the thing i liked the very least and i exited 5 plus years ago..  

I’m certain people have to have food, water, shelter.