One thing I’ve learned is that the key to investing out of your local area is focusing on markets with strong fundamentals—job growth, population growth, and affordable entry prices that allow for cash flow.

You can easily tag each transaction using categories that synch to your Schedule E for tax time.

I’m not based there specifically, but I focus on Midwest markets that share similar fundamentals — affordable entry prices, solid rent-to-value ratios, and steady tenant demand.

While I focus on the Midwest, the fundamentals you’re learning—analyzing cash flow, managing tenants, and planning renovations—will translate anywhere.

You'll learn so much about landlording that it'll help you out for future deals.it doesn't teach you much about capital raising but learning the fundamentals of real estate is more important in my opinion. 

It’s been a great learning experience managing it, and now I’m preparing to do my first flip, God willing, within the next 3–4 months.I have a close friend who’s also an investor in my e-commerce business, and he’s expressed multiple times that he wants to invest in my next real estate project.

I’ve tried a few different options for leases over the years — from state association templates to PDF edits — but recently switched to managing mine through Baselane.What I like about it is that you can either:Generate a state-specific lease directly in the platform (it’s $10 per lease), orUpload your own lease and just use their built-in e-signature tool.That flexibility is nice because I already have a lease template I like, but I still get the convenience of secure e-signing, tenant record storage, and having everything tied to my rent collection system.If you’re just getting started and want something affordable without having to involve a lawyer every time, it’s a good middle ground — compliant, organized, and cheaper than most one-off legal form sites.

But the general public or one off investors starting out like yourself can call the customer service line and ask for a TRIO a Trio is a copy of the last recorded deed a copy of the assessors tax page and a plat map.. they will have it to you with in 2 to 3 minutes via e mail generally its just a couple of clicks for you.. 

@Arman Ahmed I completely agree that the fundamentals are still there for investors who run their numbers conservatively.I’d also add that the financing strategy behind the BRRRR makes all the difference now.

Welcome @Robert E.