and are you certain that the appraisal is based on AS IS value and not subject to value (ie value after repairs)? 

Here’s a more polished version of your message:Hello BiggerPockets community,A close friend has been encouraging me to get into real estate investing for years.

Exactly if its a hot deal cash just means you beat out the next guy who needs financing does not mean deep discount .. at least in markets were RE is sought after.

What's the cash-flow after expenses?

After my taxes and penalties, I "lost" about $145,000. 

Quote from @Richa Wardhan: It's inside the city zoned RG-1, we would like it to be a vacation home and STR Hey, RichaIs the home already a vacation home and STR or is it a primary residence looking to convert over after potential ADU built?

:(If they are unethical, you can file a complaint with the Florida Real Estate Commission: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/real-estate-commission/complaints/

After doing a handful you will get the hang of running numbers quick.The poster @Tyler Hall outlined some good steps above.

Hi Everyone, I work for a investor focused Real Estate Team (Morrow Wargo Group) based around Allentown.

Hi, I had a painter who seems inexperienced who painted my house( referred by one other good handyman who gave up after taking half advance saying he got big projects cannot do these small jobs).