Important to find someone good, as they will know how to handle critical pieces, like the hardship letter and budget, and MOST importantly, helping to get a low BPO by highlighting everything bad about the property and neighborhood to the BPO agent or appraiser.Of course, you'll need proof of funds or financing pre-approval to submit with your offer.

Any help or CONSTRUCTIVE criticism is welcome.Looking forward to hearing from you all as well as sharing what I can.

What strategies did you employ and what kind of investing did you do to hit critical mass?

Praise in public...............criticize in private.

Whatever you decide will be best for you - BUT - if you do re-finish the floors....MAKE SURE you do the prep & clean work....after sanding - sweep at least twice.....then tack cloth (you can make them yourself - basically a rag with mineral spirits - VERY easy) - I went over the entire floor twice - I might even suggest three times....it gets the "crap" out of the pores of the wood & lets the wood take the stain much better....and the more coats of poly, the better - but take your time - as they ALL have to dry...MAKE SURE they are dry...

@Vanessa Ryder  I echo many of the same sentiments above + a few additional thoughts:- Screening is still your best tool and critically important if you are acknowledging that you are investing in Section 8 for the cash flow (vs long-term appreciation).  

Unless there is critical mass showing that the area is transitioning, it's dangerous to be the first one (unless you control half the block and can create the critical mass) because the improvement may never gain traction.  

This is critical early on when you start investing.Better Property Management: Understanding the basics of plumbing, electrical work, and other home systems means you can quickly address minor issues before they become major (and expensive) problems.

Hello...I'm a fairly new realestate investor with a big decision to make....

I'm hoping you can give me your advice after I give you the details of my situation. It would be helpful to also know what your reasons are...

Veteran real estate agents and market watchers like to point out it’s critical to stay aware of what your desires are telling you, especially when they differ from what your knowledge of the market teaches.