Agree with hard money loans with the caveat that you have to know how to properly underwrite them, or have somebody on your team that you implicitly trust to do this for you (but this is something that I wouldn't personally outsource).

According to a recent ranking of median property taxe rates by CoreLogic's Data Team, Illinois is highest at 2.67%, Hawaii is lowest at 0.31%, New York at 2.53%, Texas at 2.17%,  Florida at 1.32%, California at 1.12%, Georgia at 1.10%, and South Carolia at 0.71%.Average tax rate across the entire country is 1.31%, so a homeowner of a $200,000 home would pay $2,620 in property taxes.I tried to copy and paste the entire table but couldn't do it from my iPad Pro.

My experience was made better by teaming w/experts.  

I good area to begging is Around Dallas or San Antonio I think pick a good realtor or 2 and work with them make them think they are you team, and opportunities will come if you have good ones and know were to look

If you have a team of Sub Contractors that would also be fine.

Did you have good team members like (PM's, Contractors, Agents etc.)

Experience - always a plus - if you don't have it - have people on your team that do have it and can speak intelligently about the deal - contractor, agent, take out lender, mentor, etc.Exit Strategy - a clear exit strategy - if flipping - how long to complete repairs and relist, estimated time to contract/ days on market, plan if no offers at asking price. if a Refinance - who is the lender, have they done like transactions, have they looked at your full file or just approved you based on an initial conversation. 5+ units - how long does the asset need to be stabilized before refinance can be done?

Find/Get a local and experienced Team that will help you get to success,  The main Team members are Attornies, real estate Agents, CPA's, Inspectoes, general Contractors, and Handymen.Always do analysis numbers and try lot lookat thee property before you make an offer or at least have a clause in the sales contract that allow you some time to inspect the property and Allie you to take out of the deal without a penalty that is above the earnest money you gave him/her left for earnest money.  

Building a team.

A contractor in Union county or other close areas will be greatly appreciated too.Actually I am trying to build my team at this moment and a good reliable contractor is a great assess for any RE investor.Thanks in advance,Al