Here are some tips and insights to consider as you begin building your real estate portfolio:Options:Refinancing: If you have equity in your condo, consider refinancing to access funds for future investments.Investment Loans: Explore options like conventional loans for financing future rental properties.HELOC: Depending on your equity and financial situation, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) could provide flexible financing for down payments or renovations on new properties.Build a Financial Strategy:Budgeting: Create a detailed budget that includes mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs for your rental property.Cash Flow Analysis: Calculate expected rental income versus expenses to ensure positive cash flow.Emergency Fund: Set aside funds for unexpected repairs or vacancies.Research the Rental Market:Location: Choose rental properties in areas with strong rental demand and potential for appreciation.Tenant Profile: Understand the demographics and preferences of renters in your target market.Market Trends: Stay updated on rental market trends and local regulations affecting landlords.Property Management:Self-Management vs.

I am looking to see if anyone has any suggestions on how to get an accurate number on rehab costs.

Purchase Price: $39KRehab Cost: $32KARV: $100K  As you can see from the pictures, We redid mostly everything here; Windows, doors, flooring, kitchen, bathrooms and drain tile in the basement. 

General rule of thumb for hard money is 25% (plus closing costs) down especially if you don't have a lot of experience.

I'd recommend the latter for someone starting out-- you could use a 203k loan which helps you finance rehab costs into your loan.

If you're looking to do a fix and flip - you'll need to come to the table with at least 10% towards the purchase price + closing costs.

You will be out inspection and appraisal costs, but will get your earnest deposit back.  

I have been researching Citrona online along with some of the other companies that have somewhat recently taken interest in our area due to the low cost of purchasing homes in (key word) certain areas. 

I highly recommend that you utilize a low down payment loan (preferrably 5% down since it has less closing costs, you can get out of mortgage insurance once you hit 20%, and you save your FHA for another purchase) and move into a 3-4 unit property.

A good PM will keep you out of trouble and typically make you more money than they will cost you.