"Investing in real estate" is a gigantic phrase that cover everything from your typical Ma and Pa land lord who own a handful of SFH's to being part of a truly passive 1,000+ unit apartment syndication with other accredited investors, with a whole lot of variety in between.I like it that you want to help your folks: that's the mark of a good son. 

Folks with private sewer usually know because they have to pay for the clogs, but the same thing occurs with public systems.

Eager to learn from experienced BRRRR folks. 

I live in Texas and have been investing here for 20 years...and I always get a good chuckle when folks from California talk about high property taxes in Texas.

Many consumers are rate-obsessed, and do not pay attention to their mortgage balance, to closing costs, etc, and in response to that consumer 'demand,' my industry and the folks in it often 'supply' a lower rate than might be optimal. 

However, some folks in my neighborhood had issues with the exact same build materials.What material is the foundation?

Here's an example:If your goal is to purchase a buy and hold rental and manage it for a period of at least 5 years, then odds are you'd want to do all the stuff folks above are talking about: join a REIA, research the market, learn about land lording best practices,learn the land lord/tenant laws of the state in which you will invest. 

Nearly $10k later for plumbing, plus more $ for access to plumbing, after all the plumbing was replaced in a 100 year old house (e.g. no access, lots of additions) all is well:)  But lesson learned, ask for dates of vacancy and date of Winterization, or look for the stickers in the house and ask the neighbors when the folks left.

I've heard both ends of things that both more folks want to sell while some are waiting due to fears of spreading viruses around through open houses, etc.

What type of insurance are folks putting on flips while rehabbing them?