I’ve read and been advised to always buy in the winter but also to buy your first few rental houses in a short amount of time so the cash flow can offset vacancies, repairs etc.   

I think I have a good grasp on finding deals with good cash flow and closing on them But I'm missing funding.

You're doing great with your property deal – solid purchase, strong cash flow, and a good attitude toward learning.

@Chris Seveney, I would first say it depends on your goals, whether you are boots on the ground local or not, and what you're bringing to the deal making table.If you need a flow of deals, you probably need to be on those wholesalers' lists, a good agent, and to do some mailer prospecting.

Then use it to set goals on how much monthly cash flow you need to exit the rat race.   

More doors more rents=cash flow and in many states like Indiana, TN, OH, FL and a few more you can find some great cashflow deals.I just closed on a 4 unit just outside Dayton ohio for $210K it was a TLC purchase with rents that debt service the property plus ROI. 

Pros:- Low cost of buy-in / not much needed in comparison to other areas due to affordability in purchase price- High-Cap Rates- High Cash Flows- Stable market / continuing to appreciate- Beautiful revitalization of the downtown- Influx of jobs, employment opportunities - Plenty of renters- New Amtrak service coming- Surrounding neighborhoods are sought after, solid schools, "home team" mentality in most of the towns where people want to stayFor the Cons:- I can't think of any OVERALL cons that couldn't be avoided in working with the right team.

@Taryn Hansen As this is a real estate site I’d have to say rent out the house and keep it and watch it appreciate in value while you earn solid cash flow and get tax benefits.

Thank you Elliott, is one of the criteria is that it has to cash flow over a certain amount of the mortgage and expenses?

@Estrella Carolina MckinneyStart with a turnkey property that cash flows at least $200.