and if you don't have 100k, start budgeting, paying cash, control your income/debt. 

@Christine AlarconAny thing is possible but it all depends on how much money you want to spend. 

I've been meaning to get into real estate investing and if I could turn this opportunity into something that could eventually make me money or even house hack for the time I'm there, that would be great.Things I'm looking for:Low Budget ~ 1,200/monthGood Neighborhood ~ is this possible on the budget?

What's your budget?

What could you spend on surveys for deals you buy, maybe a couple thousand a year?  

I was thinking the holiday season may actual be beneficial because people spend a lot of money during this time and the thought of receiving some from a piece of land may entice them more into the deal.Let me know what you think.

over the next couple of months, after the holiday, we will spend time and money into our primary to position ourselves as best as we can be with regards to the highest sale price. 

I run my numbers and make offers based on profit I want, ARV, rehab budget, estimated closing costs, estimated holding costs, etc...

Trends such a military spending/deployments, time of year (school  months versus summer months), and commercial activity (Tech Center/Whole Foods) all seem to impact the rental market in Newport News to a considerable amount. 

A friend who had her Palo Alto, CA home rebuilt spend 2 years very much FT going to the planning, permit, contractor, inspection, even picking materials etc.