Sometimes you can talk directly to the owners.Use the Internet - Websites can show you houses that are being sold because the owners couldn't pay their bills or are in other kinds of trouble.Check Public Records - Look at official papers to see if a property owner is behind on taxes or other bills, which could mean they need to sell fast.Study the Market - Learn about how much houses in that area usually sell for and how much you could sell it for after you fix it up.Be Careful - Make sure you investigate the property fully to see if there are any legal problems or money owed on it.By using these steps together, you can find properties that might be a good investment because they need work or are being sold at a lower price than usual.Kind regards,

Now that you are a GC...you'll need to learn how to apply for permits and insurance.  

Fortunately San Diego has done well in the appreciation area.  

He can’t find an apartment in that area for what he is paying.

I wanted to see if anyone has done something similar in the Houston or surrounding area.

A little more information: the area I am currently in, I cannot afford to buy a house here in this small town; way too expensive.

You can also check meetup.com or search Facebook for real estate investment groups, clubs, or meetings in your area.

@Colton CarewWhile there is a reasonable chance that a Columbus area lease may be suitable, since magistrates (those who adjudicate eviction cases) in various parts of Ohio have different proclivities and there could be local laws that impact leases (Columbus has such laws), no matter where you get a lease from it is important to have it reviewed by a GOOD LOCAL LANDLORD-TENANT attorney. 

If you need to build up more cash, fix and flips are a good way to do it.

Hey William, I am an agent and investor in the area and I host Happy Hour events with my partner @Gaetano Ciambriello in the city.