Throughout my education I've heard from investors of all levels of experience that pretty much everyone makes their biggest mistakes on their first flip, and that it can be considered a success to just break even on the first one.  

“Buyers are not just paying more for the same home; the mix of homes in the market is rapidly changing.”This is country-wide, but just imagine the rate it's happening at in Atlanta given the development, corporate success, announcements, cost of living, world class status, etc https://atlantaagentmagazine.com/2018/04/11/home-p...

I don't think that your friend could replicate his success starting today and going forward over the same time span.There is no one path to real estate riches.

@Chris Guccione Thanks for sharing your experience.Hope you have success investment and happy life in JAX!

Hearing a successful stories motivates even more to dig deep into studying and researching the RE business!

I've never structured seller financing.I've thought of a near full price offer with interest only for 5 years (a little gamble that rents will continue to rise and values will at least stay steady) or the financing and paying them $225ish.The owner said my proforma seemed faulty accurate (I lose $206 monthly after moving and fully renting) so there needs to be wiggle room for win-win here.Asking the BP universe: what offer methods and tactics have you found to be most successful?

@Jason BocekCongratulations on your successful start in investing.To correctly create a tax return, you will need to learn a few concepts that are specific to REI.

I have some friends trying to convince me otherwise, with their success stories in that segment of rentals however. 

If you are going to join a team, and it's a successful team, you should follow their lead.

And nor would I ask will without having success in the realm of RE.