Big Time Analysis Paralysis

St. Louis, Missouri
Out of State Investing
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Big Time Analysis Paralysis

Christopher DEsposito
Member since 2025 · 6 posts · 10 votes

Hey everyone, I’m new to the community and just getting started with real estate investing.
 
I'm looking to focus on flipping and the BRRRR strategy, but I'm doing this remotely and out of state, which adds an extra layer of pressure. I'm nervous about picking the wrong market to start in; especially since I'm relying heavily on data, virtual tours, and local connections I'm still trying to build.
 
I'm currently focusing my efforts in the St. Louis County Area but I’ve noticed homes sitting on the market for 100+ days, even in areas and zip codes that are supposed to be “sought after.” That’s made me second-guess what’s really moving versus what’s just marketed well.
 
I'm also struggling to find good off-market deals. A lot of what I'm seeing from wholesalers seems overpriced, or the numbers just don't add up once you dig into the rehab and ARV. The competition feels intense, and I'm not sure how to get ahead when I'm not physically there.
 
How are you finding reliable wholesalers who actually know how to underwrite deals properly? Any tips for building a strong remote team or vetting markets from a distance?
 
I’d really appreciate any advice from those who’ve done it remotely. Thanks in advance!

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Robert Masucci
Real Estate Consultant · Remote · Member since 2025 · 48 posts · 21 votes
1y

Hey Christopher, best advice especially if you're new to this industry is to not invest outside of your immediate area. Look for deals in areas you're familiar with and have a deep understanding of the market conditions and can get to the property in a reasonable timeframe in the event you need to. This will make your life so much less stressful. Hope this helps a little. 

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  • Robert Masucci
    Real Estate Consultant · Remote · Member since 2025 · 48 posts · 21 votes
    1y

    Hey Christopher, best advice especially if you're new to this industry is to not invest outside of your immediate area. Look for deals in areas you're familiar with and have a deep understanding of the market conditions and can get to the property in a reasonable timeframe in the event you need to. This will make your life so much less stressful. Hope this helps a little. 

    3Reply
  • Michael K GallagherBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus OH · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    similar to roberts point, if you are going to do it remotely its worth the money to travel to the market and be able to feel the areas that you are considering.  That will likely up your confidence level when it comes to making decisions.  

    [email protected]614-362-2231
    1Reply
  • Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    1y
    Quote from @Christopher DEsposito:

    Hey everyone, I’m new to the community and just getting started with real estate investing.
     
    I'm looking to focus on flipping and the BRRRR strategy, but I'm doing this remotely and out of state, which adds an extra layer of pressure. I'm nervous about picking the wrong market to start in; especially since I'm relying heavily on data, virtual tours, and local connections I'm still trying to build.
     
    I'm currently focusing my efforts in the St. Louis County Area but I’ve noticed homes sitting on the market for 100+ days, even in areas and zip codes that are supposed to be “sought after.” That’s made me second-guess what’s really moving versus what’s just marketed well.
     
    I'm also struggling to find good off-market deals. A lot of what I'm seeing from wholesalers seems overpriced, or the numbers just don't add up once you dig into the rehab and ARV. The competition feels intense, and I'm not sure how to get ahead when I'm not physically there.
     
    How are you finding reliable wholesalers who actually know how to underwrite deals properly? Any tips for building a strong remote team or vetting markets from a distance?
     
    I’d really appreciate any advice from those who’ve done it remotely. Thanks in advance!

    I would look into FB groups to find off-market deals, a lot of wholesalers are on there!

    [email protected]614-300-7535
    Jimmy Lieu, Red 1 Realty4.9121 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
  • Melissa JusticeBusiness Member
    Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2024 · 518 posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    @Christopher DEsposito,

    Hey Christopher, given everything you shared, it might actually make sense to explore turnkey rental properties instead of diving straight into a remote BRRRR or flip.

    Since you're investing out of state and remotely, the BRRRR method adds a lot of moving parts-contractor management, rehab timelines, refinance delays-all of which are harder to control when you're not local. If you're finding that deals are overpriced or ARVs are questionable, you're not alone. Many investors are running into that, especially with rising holding costs and softening demand in certain zip codes.

    That’s where turnkey rentals in landlord-friendly markets (like the Midwest and Southeast) come in. These properties are either newly built or fully renovated, tenant-ready, and professionally managed, so you skip the construction and leasing headaches and start with cash flow on day one.

    I personally made the shift toward turnkeys after dealing with unreliable rehab estimates and trying to juggle team-building from a distance. It’s a simpler way to build a strong portfolio, especially if you’re planning to scale or just don’t want to be hands-on with renovations from hundreds of miles away.

    Let me know if you’d like to compare some of the markets or see what typical returns look like-it’s helped a lot of investors in your exact situation get started with more confidence.

    Best of luck,

    Melissa

    [email protected]313-221-8718
    2Reply
  • Kerlous TadresBusiness Member
    Realtor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    You're right to be cautious. Many wholesalers inflate ARVs or underestimate rehab costs, especially in competitive markets. The key is to build your own underwriting skills so you can quickly spot when the numbers are off. Look for wholesalers who invest themselves or can show you deals they've done with other investors. For vetting markets remotely, focus on zip-level data like rent-to-price ratios, days on market, and investor activity. And for building your team, start with an investor-friendly agent who works with flippers and BRRRR buyers. They'll usually have a vetted network of contractors, lenders, and property managers to plug you into.

    [email protected]614-490-1163
    Kerlous Tadres | Reafco Real Estate541 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    2Reply
  • Mike PaolucciBusiness Member
    Realtor · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2022 · 502 posts · 553 votes
    1y
    Quote from @Christopher DEsposito:

    Hey everyone, I’m new to the community and just getting started with real estate investing.
     
    I'm looking to focus on flipping and the BRRRR strategy, but I'm doing this remotely and out of state, which adds an extra layer of pressure. I'm nervous about picking the wrong market to start in; especially since I'm relying heavily on data, virtual tours, and local connections I'm still trying to build.
     
    I'm currently focusing my efforts in the St. Louis County Area but I’ve noticed homes sitting on the market for 100+ days, even in areas and zip codes that are supposed to be “sought after.” That’s made me second-guess what’s really moving versus what’s just marketed well.
     
    I'm also struggling to find good off-market deals. A lot of what I'm seeing from wholesalers seems overpriced, or the numbers just don't add up once you dig into the rehab and ARV. The competition feels intense, and I'm not sure how to get ahead when I'm not physically there.
     
    How are you finding reliable wholesalers who actually know how to underwrite deals properly? Any tips for building a strong remote team or vetting markets from a distance?
     
    I’d really appreciate any advice from those who’ve done it remotely. Thanks in advance!

     Hey @Christopher DEsposito if you want to get into REI via flipping and BRRRR as your first deal then I'd recommend doing it locally so you can have better control / management of the project.

    I normally recommend a first time investor get started with more of a turnkey / light value add property and use a property manager to complete the work. They'll have a vested interest to make sure you don't get in over your head since they have good relationships with contractors. I've seen plenty of investors get taken for a complete ride by contractors while trying to execute some of the hardest strategies remotely. Plenty of seasoned local investors lose money even with the right teams in place and plenty of projects under their belts. 

    Realtors who also invest themselves will be more ideal because of their connections with PM's Contractors, Investor friendly lenders. 

    Good luck with your investing journey! 

    [email protected]614-892-9184
    Reafco - Mike Paolucci 512 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
    • Christopher DEsposito
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 6 posts · 10 votes
      1y

      @Mike Paolucci Hey Mike ! thanks for the input ! I would love to invest in my own backyard but I live in NYC, so in and around my area is not an ideal area to invest in for what i'm looking to build. I appreciate your advice !

      0Reply
    • Mike PaolucciBusiness Member
      Realtor · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2022 · 502 posts · 553 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Christopher DEsposito:

      @Mike Paolucci Hey Mike ! thanks for the input ! I would love to invest in my own backyard but I live in NYC, so in and around my area is not an ideal area to invest in for what i'm looking to build. I appreciate your advice !

       @Christopher DEsposito Was in that same position back in 2021 when I got started while living in San Francisco. Let me know if you have any questions. Happy to share some OOS investing experiences & mistakes! 

      [email protected]614-892-9184
      Reafco - Mike Paolucci 512 Reviews
      WebsiteView Page
      2Reply
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