Something else to be aware of, legally: AZ statutes have a "handyman exemption"  for maintenance that is under $1000 and "casual in nature".

If you are investing from out of state, I would select the second option.Not sure how long ago the video from WI was from, but inventory is low and it sounds like those numbers were 4-5 yrs ago or you are buying in rougher areas with way more tenant issues and these are old houses in Milwaukee, so more maintenance issues....but then again, what do I know...I just wholesaled a three family for $22k on the Southside to an OOS investor-- squatter in one unit, another tenant with pitbull paying $250 and the other unit vacant.

I think the best thing you can do is educate yourself as much as you can by being in BP community, watching blog videos, reading books etc..

It's pretty simple to throw some pieces of furniture in a house and call it staged, but a designer will bring out the measuring tape, implement a theme unique to the location and property and will create an experience for the buyer.As a reference, check out these two videos of the properties I mentioned above:https://www.youtube.com/watch?

Check out the video of Charles Tassell on the Illinois REIA Facebook Page.

I can swing by, give you a quick video chat, and probably give you an idea of the rehab costs on site.

Sometimes I can convince sellers to list at the appointment, sometimes it takes a few days or weeks of following up with them and providing more value to get the listing.Referrals. (3 of 12 transactions) - Post on social media about what you are doing and remind friends and family casually of what you do in real estate sales.Zillow lead generation. (1 of 12 transactions) - I had a six month contract.

I took the time to break down all the categories from Jay Scott's book on Rehab Costs, and created a check mark spreadsheet that calculates category totals based off his suggested costs for each item and using any required inputs like sqft, item counts/costs, labor, etc.I then review the pics/video my agent sends me and go through my spreadsheet, checking off what I think needs to be done.

Years ago Matt with Epic Real Estate did a free video series on wholesaling, not sure if they charge now but it was pretty simple formula: find and analyze the deal, get it under contract, assign the contract to an investor and include your assignment fee, get paid :) good luck!

If you have the money, go and find 3 or 4 contractors to get quotes from to fix a house up before you purchase it.Just happened to find this: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/...One of the main things I've seen people say on other videos is you want to make sure the "bones" are good before you buy as well.