Comping properties is an artform and takes lots of practice. many RE agents can't even perform such a task for rehab flippers, even with all their access to MLS data.The key to evaluating your exit value (ARV) is to really know your market, know what it was doing and what it is doing.

If you have access to first time home owner loans you might consider FHA + multifamily as your first purchase.

Step1:Define your goal (home buyer or investor)Step 2: Define if an investor what kind you want to be (wholesaler,wholetail,fix and flip,hold,etc.)Step 3: Define how much funds you have to start out with,credit,access to additional capital etc.Step 4: Do you plan on living off of real estate full time or do you have a job and want to invest a little at a time?

I disagree about the charging the upfront fee makes a serious buyer.I can't tell you how many scammers I have seen in the commercial lending arena.I can say one problem lenders face is they get a package submitted to them and then give an LOI.Then in due diligence the buyer finds out the income levels and returns were not as stated.Now the lender wants a bigger payment down from the buyer or the buyer has to get the seller to reduce to the actual proven numbers.The deal falls out and the lender made nothing.The way to solve this is submit a detailed and verified package upfront.This way you know the numbers you are sending have been verified.Lenders site confidentiality etc. when doing loans so you can't verify other properties they have closed.If lenders state money has to be in escrow or a deposit have YOUR attorney hold in an account the lender does not have access to or authorization to.This way the money can be shown to be there and earmarked for the purposes of the loan.I am telling you these scammers will do anything to separate you from your money.I know some deals I wasn't involved in where the people chased the lender for 6 months to get back 500k.Do not let lenders PUFF fees.If they say they have to pay for appraisal then tell them you will pay the appraiser directly.If you are a legit lender and you make money when you close a loan you should have no problem with this.If however you are a fee generator mill and you hardly close anything or a point taker with upfront fees I can't tell clients to work with you.Some point takers take money to submit apps knowing the lender will not close or that it's a sham.They usually charge a small amount upfront to entice the victim.Usually 500 to a few thousand.

No title policies, no access, cashier's checks on the spot, etc. etc.

Right now I am focusing on how to access the asset managers.

+ much higher fees at retirement and not have full access to the funds for 20+ years.I am a horrible day trader.

if your not allowed access to see how extensive the damage is you have to figure on total replacement of entire area.

The area is very walkable with plenty of access to public transportation as well.

First of all I want to say that a realtor did give me access to the MLS but I do not see any way on here to search for sold properties.