Don't hire an agent if youre trying to avoid agent costs.

The more you know, the easier it will be to spot a good deal and avoid overpaying.- Build a Strong Buyers List EarlyA solid buyers list is your safety net.

I have it written in my leases that tenants are responsible for clogs as well as damage from clogs. I have lengthy conversations when tenants move in about letting us know immediately if there is a clog, to stop using...

Consider off-market sales to avoid public listings and minimize tenant disruption, using discreet marketing or a wholesale strategy.

As a newbie, I need someone to guide me from the beginning to try to avoid mistakes and hopefully be very successful.

The ones that do offer HELOCS usually only offer 60-65% LTV/CLTV Max.In most cases its better to simply do a cash out refinance to avoid the adjustable rate, second lien, credit risks and added DTI burdens. 

A well written management contract should clearly spell out what is expected of both the PMC and the owner, to PROTECT both and avoid misunderstandings.

LLC, S-Corp, etc), to file their BOI Reports by the end of the year to avoid being penalized up to $10,000 per entity. 

To avoid going through the same poor experience, keep reading.Even if someone gives you a referral here, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that the PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

So I am posting hoping for any further advice or recommendations that could help me avoid pitfalls or avoid wasting time.