>Investor would get a discount on ARV and be cash flow positive during the holding period.My issue is the premise this is a discount purchase.  

Maybe I’m reading this wrong but after reading several articles it’s my understanding that normally when a civilian assumes a VA mortgage the “VA entitlement” will remain with the seller meaning purchasing power in the future will be less since it’s still tied into the current loan and the 1 year occupancy is foregone since the seller has lived in it over a year. 

Hello BP community,I am an out of state buyer and  recently purchased a rental in San Diego, CA.

I have cut out all music and have been listening to the podcast and audiobooks for the past week while I drive for work trying to gain as much information as I can.       

Reason for this is that our 40% partner who leads the group purchasing the property accepted a SUBORDINATED note for his interest in order to put the deal together.Bottom line is this, by utilizing a number of CREATIVE real estate principles, financing, deal making, etc. we have increased our wealth by anywhere from $235,000 to $635,000 over what we would have had accepting a cash sale.  

Hi everyone,I'm getting conflicting information from supposedly knowledgeable sources on this, so I wondered if anyone has been down this road and can direct me to a reliable info source.I'm taking in-kind distributions from a SDIRA which is all in just one SF home.

Ask about the maintenance history.Units: Visit as many individual units as possible to assess their condition and note any necessary repairs or updates.Structural Issues: Be vigilant about signs of water damage, mold, or pests, which could indicate larger problems.Safety Compliance: Verify that the property meets all local safety and building codes, including fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency exits.Financial and Operational AspectsRent Roll: Request a detailed rent roll to understand current rents, lease terms, and tenant occupancy.Expenses: Get a breakdown of all operating expenses, including utilities, maintenance, insurance, property management fees, and taxes.Income Verification: Ask for historical income statements (preferably 12 months or more) to verify the revenue.Vacancy Rates: Inquire about the historical and current vacancy rates and how they compare to the market average.Tenant Profile: Understand the tenant mix, including residential versus commercial tenants, lease lengths, and tenant turnover rates.Property Management: Find out if the property is currently managed by a professional management company and if you will retain or replace them.Legal and ComplianceZoning Laws: Ensure the property complies with current zoning laws and inquire about any zoning changes that may affect the property.Rent Control: Determine if the property is subject to rent control or other regulations that could impact income.Permits and Licenses: Check that all necessary permits and licenses are up to date.Value-Add PotentialRenovation Opportunities: Identify areas where you could add value through renovations or upgrades.Rent Increases: Assess the potential for increasing rents based on market rates and property improvements.Additional Income: Explore opportunities for additional income streams, such as laundry facilities, parking fees, or storage rentals.Environmental ConsiderationsEnvironmental Hazards: Check for any environmental issues like asbestos, lead paint, or underground storage tanks.Flood Zones: Verify if the property is in a flood zone and the implications for insurance and risk.Questions to Ask the SellerReason for Selling: Understand the seller’s motivation to gauge the urgency and possible negotiation points.Recent Repairs and Improvements: Ask about any recent capital expenditures and future planned repairs.Tenant Relations: Inquire about the relationship with tenants and any ongoing disputes or issues.Due DiligenceProfessional Inspection: Hire a professional inspector to conduct a thorough examination of the property.Appraisal: Obtain an independent appraisal to verify the property’s market value.Legal Review: Have a real estate attorney review all contracts, leases, and legal documents related to the property.By covering these aspects, you’ll be in a stronger position to make an informed decision about your potential investment.

For rental real estate purchases, should I be working with a buyer's agent with a strong background in investment real estate?

Yes you can buy properties extremely cheap there but the flipside is that once yoI've rehabbed them, recouping your rehab and purchase money will prove difficult because of the low property values .  

I am interested in purchasing duplex, triplex, fourplex.