You shouldn’t be investing in real estate if you NEED the cash flow.

@Dalton Smith, thanks for offering to help folks. 

I think, in general, unless you're an extremely high W2 earner just looking to get into real estate for tax purposes, buying for cash flow gives you the durability to weather market fluctuations as you're never in a position where your back is against the wall and you need to sell... unless you have debt coming due.Now, that being said, if the true cash flow, after allocating for all expenses, vacancy, maintenance, capex, etc. is in the black, then I think taking a 5% CoC return in an appreciating market isn't a bad move, especially if there is a component of value-add. 

this is my first time here and also my first time getting into the real estate investing game.

There is one business in particular that has been very tempting to try and acquire, but I am not sure the next steps to actually go about doing it.Questions like: Confirming it qualifies for commercial real estate loans (SBA), what type of network (brokers/lawyers/etc) would be needed to appraise and finalize a deal, and where to look for that network.

In today's competitive real estate market, how do you ensure your fix-and-flip projects stay on track?

Understanding the Key Differences Between Private and Hard Money: Pros, Cons, and When to Use Each

I am new in the real estate industry and want to see if you have any tips for a new agent, also any events or recommendation to start meeting people and getting more connected to the Real Estate world.

Trying out the long distance real estate game.

Alternatively, once the existing tenant is out, you can lease at market rate.The real challenge of "non-landlord friendly" areas in the form of: your ability to adjust their rent from one lease term to the next, rent control issues that would limit your ability to ever push rent increases over time, any mandates on required renewal options for existing tenants (typically come with rent control measures) and the ease and speed with which evictions are processed.