The 4 financed properties are worth - $606,040 - a $50,040 gain.During that time, your tenants paid down your mortgage with each of their rent payments as well, so you have an increase in equity on the financed properties as well.Then there are the tax write-offs.  

Just want to set the scene for what does and doesn't work well here.

@Dan TranOK - well, there is no substitute for actually knowing a neighborhood.Pick out a couple and go visit.

Which means I may well have been the only person foolish enough to bid on it, among the billions of people with internet access.On the other hand, the fact that the owner didn't pay taxes since 2018 is not a big red flag.

There are a ton of other small and large items as well. 

Focus on providing value and building genuine relationships, and you'll be well on your way.

NO reputable lender asks for funds upfront besides appraisal fee.Have heard MANY horror stories related to upfront fee lenders and it rarely ends well.

But I feel like I can't get an attorney to help they keep saying i have to prove Jerry (step dad didn't own them anymore) well the bank just proved it right?

There's also passive investing as well.

., well I guess you need to ask yourself is it less work to clean up after guests in the off season than high season?