Some prior owners are just skillful liars (good actors).

REI is a great big world lots of options.What's your skill-set?

My dad and uncle are physical-labor contractors and although I've learned a lot of trade-skills from him, I lack exposure to the financial nuances of buying and selling property.

I currently work for a design-build company where I handle all things money for condo deconversion remodels in downtown Chicago and skilled nursing facilities around the country.My main focus right now is finding a 2-flat house hack in the Chicago area to move into using a bank loan.

I also look at real estate as being able to network with people who will assist me on my journey and also help the people I am networking by bringing value and skills that can be used to assist in their business as well.

I'm working on my deal analysis skills, and I ran this as if you don't live in it... if the total rent you collect is 2400, which is what @Craig Bellot said you could get, you cash flow $90 after all the expenses listed (assuming you do end up paying 300/month for oil).

I would probably do the following, this is completely malicious compliance and depends on your skill set: have an HVAC company do an inspection on the furnace and tuneup.

. #2 is by choice and likely horrible property management skills.

I don’t think becoming a real estate agent is a “get rich quick” scheme, this is a skill that requires to deal with people and that’s one of my weaknesses.

It takes a lot of discretion, to "interpret" a market, neighborhood, criteria, condition, etc.. to determine ARVTo answer your question: definitely a skill you can learn yourself, but until you do, a local Realtor would be the best bet for ARVs.