It's the essence of the game that we are all playing here.

If you're at the beginning of your RE journey, then 1) determine how much time you can/want to devote to your RE venture.Here're a few articles to help you decide on that:https://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/10850/8...https://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/10850/7...2) then within the area you selected in #1, pick a niche that you believe will work best for you and personally determined to make it a success. 

Lots of gotchas in the redemption rights game, but lots of good deals as well

My objective was simply to get in the game, and therefore the short term loss was well worth it for me.

I live in California and minimizing liability is the name of the game here because the state is so favorable to tenants, even when you go out of your way to do the right thing. 

They have more skin in the game then you do.Make sure you get clear title.

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I would never want to hear from my tenant.I totally rely on my PM to guide me going rent and tenant selection.

I had to build some credibility and have some skin in the game, though.If I were in your shoes I'd try to find an investor to partner with who can carry the loan, and you can bring some or all of the down payment.

@Markia Dunn  I was actually thinking about your post today, I should also mention the wholesalers that are playing the auction wholesale game here, are also bankrolled very well.