Relationships are everything in this game.

The first two invested before 2017, one of them bought back starting in 1998 and now has 4 properties in California.

First, why did you increase your offer and two why did you agree to see it right then and there without a contractor?

Began scanning MLS everyday to find a deal (I am my own realtor and this is my first transaction).January 2024 – After searching deals daily, I saw a property listed that day for 219,500 two blocks from my parents home and promptly made an offer that day for 222,222.Listing realtor kept the bidding open for a week and asked for a counter based on competing bids (in hindsight I don't think there were actually other bids).

Thank you.You will have to pay a little more if you go the HM route, and for the first one or two if you have a good local, conventional lender that will do that you would be okay, but HML are great for speed, efficiency, and some quirks, depending on the lender.It might also depend on your capital and how much you are wanting to spend on the first one.

There's a lot to unpack here... and it's not my goal to be a 'downer' on your aspiration... but just telling you my experiences to caution you about being new to the game...First - I don't think we know what state you live in, so just know that foreclosure auctions are handled very differently all across the country.  

I know that I can buy a lot and use that as a down payment, but I have two pieces that are making me a bit nervous.

And back and forth and back and forth for almost two months.

This is a long term game. 

I own two condos which are completely paid off and I have an obligation to buy a single family house very soon for our family.