Each property comes with its own set of risks and every investor must understand those risks and do the minimum - get 3rd party inspections, 3rd party appraisals, verify rents, jobs  and crime rates at city-data.com - before buying.

And that's why it's work, serious concerted work to mitigate the risks.

Auction buying is a risk just is..

STR as a Strategy for Leveraging Housing AllowancesAmericans stationed overseas have a unique edge: they can leverage housing allowances to reduce risk while building wealth.

Here is some key information:Property recently hit the market and has 2 cash offers alreadyThe seller provided a pre-inspection report, which I shared with 2 different lenders, both think it may fail conventional financing due to potential structural and electrical issues (realtor thinks it could pass conventional)Seller has 100% equity but is behind on other payments (not sure of the urgency money is needed)This is my first attempt at an “investment” property so I’m new to thisI see 3 optionsMove forward with an offer using conventional loan pre-qualification-Not as attractive of an offer to the seller-Possibility that appraiser calls out structural/electrical issues that need to be fixed before closing, effectively causing financing to fail- Best terms and fewest loan fees for meUse a rehab style loan such as ChoiceRenovation-Even less attractive than a conventional offer to seller, but less risk of failed financing if appraiser calls out issues-Slightly worse fees and interest rates compared to conventional-Lenders tell me possibly up to 60-90 days closing in some cases, with red-tape for contractor requirements and draw schedules (sounds like the most hoops to jump through during rehab)Use a hard money lender-Most attractive loan option I can give to seller so I can compete-Much higher fees and interest rate for me-need to refinance into a conventional at the end of rehab (not familiar with seasoning periods but I think this is a factor as well)Which option would you do?

Getting one property and cashflowing it will be a challenge. you can try seller financing but you are still going to be highly levered which just enhances the risk that you are taking on.The best way to grow is to focus on managing your rental, saving money through your W2 and crushing that - if you are a realtor you will make more crushing it as being a realtor than over leveraging real estate - then save for down payment and buy slowly. its not a rush.

Quote from @Michell Chase: I am working with a hard lender on a purchase/reno and they require a builders risk policy even though 1 unit of the 3/4 will have a tenant.  

Starting out can feel overwhelming, but it's great that you're already thinking about risk management with vacancies.

Hey Rachel,I can't help you because of the location but you're going to have an extremely tough time finding insurance for that type of risk. 

So I figure, if it makes $400 more per month, I'm looking at 4 year payback on the renovations with the risk of some other repairs down the road, such as furnace.