This is one of the methods lenders use to protect their investment."  

If you have a different trim color, match that. 

Does it have a small kitchen, in a flood zone, septic system, plastic CPCV plumbing, tree growing through gas line, modular home, foundation repair, auction listing, property code violations, past due taxes, murder or method house history, pit bull next door, corner house, finished and leaking basement?

The guys you are seeing are most likely using one of those methods or some combination of them.

Most I rehabbed and sold, some I wholesaled to other investors to flip or keep as rentals, and I've also kept 11 myself so far.Anyway, here's my experience with the methods you're using:1.

Have you done any "enemy method" research for both in your immediate area?

on real estate investing to educate myself before purchasing my first property.I've been scanning the MLS and been in contact with my agent for the past two months looking for a small multifamily or single family home to house hack.Based on my local market, it's looking like a single family home will be the most realistic first purchase.My strategy is to put down about 10% (or lower) using a conventional or FHA loan, make value-add minor rehabs to the property where needed while living in the property (live-in-flip), and then move into a different property and place a tenant in the first (and repeat over several years to acquire multiple properties).I know there are creative methods to finance real estate deals rather than using your own cash.

What finance vehicles or methods are you using?

(See B3-3.1-08, Rental Income, for further information, and B5-6-03, HomeReady Mortgage Underwriting Methods and Requirements, for an exception for HomeReady mortgage loans.)

New flooring, new paint, new trim in every room.