Purchase price: $250,000 Cash invested: $14,000 I purchased and managed a rental property in Chicago, focusing on strategic improvements and tenant satisfaction to increase both its value and profitability.

I see a lot of amenities you recommended as amenities that increase the quality of stay which leads to a higher guest satisfaction but doesn't really affect my return.

Hey Deirdre,To address your questions:Providing freedom by handling day-to-day operations.Offering peace of mind through proactive maintenance and tenant communication.Reducing risks by staying ahead of legal requirements, tenant screening, and dispute resolution.Enhancing the bottom line by identifying cost-saving opportunities while ensuring tenant satisfaction to reduce turnover.Is the experience still important when the property thrives financially?

I have no experience with real estate investing. I do not live in the US, and I'm not a citizen. I went to university in the Midwest many years ago. Currently living in China - have a very stable job, decent income. H...

Hey Tyler we hate to hear that your experience was negative sincerely we would have hoped that we could have come to a resolution we know that you and your partner had made a request that we do $800 of work that was unfortunately not in your scope of work at the time we had exhausted $4900 in additional work to ensure the property was to satisfaction which included a new hood range upgraded lvp flooring additional framing  new window and a paint upgrade from a single color format to a multi color format and can lighting all of which was never in the original scope and unfortunately when we requested that we do the work you declined I’ve attached before and after videos of the home for reference https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/h0ddll4cyp5g5gq12o73s/Video-J... always twos sides to these stories.. 

It's an exciting journey that can offer both financial rewards and personal satisfaction.

Here are a few to watch out for:Property Condition: Most distressed properties need extensive repairs or renovations, which add to your initial investment.Competitive Market: With Phoenix's popularity among investors, competition for the best deals can be intense.Complex Deals: Foreclosures, auctions, or short sales are much more complicated compared to regular real estate transactions and usually require specialized knowledge.Tips to Successfully Navigate the MarketDo Your Research: Understand the local market conditions, including neighborhood trends, property values, and potential rental income.Build a Strong Network: Work with professionals who specialize in distressed properties-such as brokers, contractors, and legal experts-to make the best decisions.Assess Costs Carefully: Factor in the cost of repairs, holding costs, and any potential financing issues when evaluating a property’s profitability.Be Patient: Finding the right distressed property takes time.

Stay disciplined with your numbers, build relationships with local investors and agents, and be patient, good deals will come with persistence and the right approach.Good luck!

You have to make a deal rather than buy a deal, be more appreciation focused, and be more patient.

A few things that newer investors should note:- it took 13 years to get there, you have to be patient- rents are high at about $1,750, so probably a quality neighborhood- looks like that is after vacancies, probably low turnover?