Since I have a long-term interest in getting into hotel investing, this feels like a natural stepping stone, but I want to approach it the right way.I feel like this is such a great opportunity, especially with it being off market.

Natural fit.

@Jonathan GreeneWe are looking to continue to grow.

Sellers rarely mind the low deposit and extended closing period due to the nature of the property, or at least they can be made aware of the fact that their lot has issues that will take MY time and MY money to solve and then they come around.My terms on the flip are: Minimum 10K spread between purchase and flip value.  1-2K deposit upfront to hold the property for 7 days then the deposit becomes non-refundable after the 7th day and the buyer has the same amount of time that I originally negotiated with seller typically 8-12 months(its a purchase contract but because of contingencies its essentially an option).  

Getting one property and cashflowing it will be a challenge. you can try seller financing but you are still going to be highly levered which just enhances the risk that you are taking on.The best way to grow is to focus on managing your rental, saving money through your W2 and crushing that - if you are a realtor you will make more crushing it as being a realtor than over leveraging real estate - then save for down payment and buy slowly. its not a rush.

Beyond something of extreme nature I find most things are repairable, especially if it’s a rental.

We created an LLC because it seemed like the right thing to do and we’re looking to grow our rental portfolio now.

Their business still needs to grow up. 

I would say go for it if that is what you expect to incur in the future or you are still growing.

Union City is great and growing but they have stricter rent control.