Most land somewhere in the middle.If you have experience as a DIY landlord, what has been most challenging about it?

I am looking for an assistant property management position to gain experience and build a resume.

Here is another great thread on student rentals, with similar (but not 100%) experiences to ours.https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/491641-nearin...

start building a basic underwriting spreadsheet so you can play with the various deal inputs, test out different scenarios, and see how they perform financially.Analyzing deals is the only way one really learns to think like an investor!

Your unfortunate experience is summed up in the word ‘trust’.

Could you please share your experience of how you go through these obstacles and how do you choose your state and properties to invest in (if you are investing in tax deeds as well)? 

Finding the right team to assist you in your journey is what is most important, that way you have guidance, experience, and a partner that is looking out for your success in your investment. 

As far as down payment, investment properties typically require a minimum of 20-25% depending on property type, FICO, level of experience, occupancy %, etc.

Initial budget $250-600k +- Please advice if it's seems like an ok plan in your opinion (preferably if you have personal experience). 

I am hearing you when you say you had the builder fix the grading issue, but grading is in my experience the #1 cause of repeated water in the basement.