.#6 Practice, Practice, PracticeWalk through distressed fixer-upper properties (or find properties virtually online) and practice creating detailed scopes of work, quantifying repairs and estimating rehab costs for the projects.This will help you get acquainted with common rehab repairs, rehab costs & estimating terminology.#7 Get Your First Rehab Project!

In virtually all southern CA cities, the cost added is significantly less than hands off grounds up ADU addition.

I once long ago risked virtually every somewhat liquid dollar (so not my home, 401k, job, or family) on an investment.  

Today the OP’s view is gaining support and my crazy posts on initial cash flowing properties to be the worst indicator of overall property return no longer seem so crazy.I agree with virtually everything the OP stated.  

“The Millionaire Real Estate Investor” – Gary Keller (very tactical with clear frameworks)Online Tools & Calculators:BiggerPockets Deal Calculators – great for analyzing long-term buy & holds, flips, BRRRRsRentometer – quick rent compsPropstream / BatchLeads – for sourcing and evaluating off-market dealsAirDNA – if you're considering short-term rentalsPodcasts & YouTube (Strategy-Focused):BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast – Episodes 100–300 are especially goldenBP Rookie Podcast – great for newer investors navigating real-world dealsJames Dainard or Ryan Pineda on YouTube – great for flips, BRRRRs, and market breakdownsThe Real Estate Guys Radio Show – deeper dives into macro-level investing and asset typesRecommendations Based on Strategy:Long-Term Buy & Hold: Learn to analyze markets (job growth, population, landlord laws) and master deal analysisFlipping: Focus on rehab cost estimation, holding costs, and market timingBRRRR: Mix of flip-level knowledge with buy & hold mathShort-Term Rentals: Research local regulations + seasonal demand (AirDNA and PriceLabs are key here)Where to Go From Here:Pick one or two strategies to focus on first (e.g. long-term + BRRRR)Practice analyzing 1–2 deals per day (even if you’re not buying yet)Join local or virtual investor meetups - connecting with others will help fast-track your learningYou’re in a perfect position - already out of the “intro” phase and hungry for action.

Bought a rental with very investor friendly realtor (Joe Pryor) if Virtual Real Estate team in OKC https://www.virtualrealestateteam.com/ this year.

Again based on the condition of the particular market segment and competition.High-quality professional listing photos, including virtual staging photos for vacant properties.Make showings easyScreen for most likely to perform buyersNegotiate price and terms most favorable to the seller, including repair requests.If you can find a discount broker that can provide excellent, comprehensive services, I would go with them any day of the week.

1.Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Money and Rookie Podcasts2.Attend the FREE WEBINARS3.Attend a Meetup in Your Area / virtual meet ups4.Purchase the Beginner Books: How to Invest in Real Estate, Set for Life, The House Hacking Strategy5.Peruse the forums!

1.Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Money and Rookie Podcasts2.Attend the FREE WEBINARS3.Attend a Meetup in Your Area / virtual meet ups4.Purchase the Beginner Books: How to Invest in Real Estate, Set for Life, The House Hacking Strategy5.Peruse the forums!

A lot of these syndications are running on margins so thin that there's virtually no chance of recovery even with an asset sale.