Either the properties were priced too high where it just didn't make financial sense to me (mostly in the towns surrounding Trenton) or I wasn't fast enough to react and the properties were scooped up ASAP. 

I recently graduated college and started my career as a mechanical engineer and have recently decided that while I love my job I don't want to work for the rest of my life, and real estate investing makes the most sense to me in order to gain financial freedom before I turn 60.I have been reading a ton of real estate books and discovered the bigger pockets book on rental property investing which gave me a great introduction to all the topics and possibilities in real estate.

I know real estate is the number 1 way to self made wealth and financial independence.

Quick question: If you have a financier willing to assist you in purchasing a property what are the main statistics that I should provide to them to prove that the property would be a smart and  profitable deal?

@Billy Amberg- try OVM Financial outbof Virginia, who lends 203k loans, & lends in NC, and has a Renovation Loan rep.

Hoa fees can be bad, but it depends on the management company, we know which ones are are good and don’t get into financial trouble.

If you know how to price properly,  complete and adhere to standard state PSAs, contingencies, disclosures and addenda, open escrow and prove you are financially qualified to buy, go for it!

I know real estate is the number 1 way to self made wealth and financial independence.

They had a lot of financial issues when they moved out and I'm waiting awhile to give them some time before filing a judgment.  

But, as a courtesy, I specifically warn about a constantly running toilet and the financial havoc it will cause on their water bill.