Does it make more sense for someone like me with a w-2 job that I enjoy to just invest in funds?

I am hoping to learn from you all and as needed share my experiences too.

I've discovered that most private lenders prefer borrowers with some experience, which I'm working on building now.My main focus is on my exit strategy.

How are you planning on flipping out-of-state with no experience?

thereby allowing these plumbing updates to pay for themselves).I've got the toilets and faucets all picked out (because I have personal experience with these and I know which ones are good) - but I'm not sure what to do about the shower heads...I know that shower heads are an item that can be the biggest money-saver (because these tend to consume more water than anything else).

Also I'm speaking from experience in losing a significant amount of money trying to do something similar. 

@James LuctamarIn our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING. our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.

Unless you have experience with this, consider talking to an attorney.

Would love to hear people's experiences in these markets or recommendations of other markets that are more on the "untapped" side.

I would stay away from long term contracts and pay by the month to start if you are using a service and then after you have real world experience with it, you can sign on for a year for the discount.