So, owners mistakenly think price is the only differentiator – and look for a PMC like they’d shop for groceries☹We encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others by reading posts here on BiggerPockets from owners that picked a PMC solely by price and regretted it.We recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Even if someone gives you a referral, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that just because a PMC met their expectations, they’ll meet your expectations.

Instead of generally looking for a multi-family, pick two or three neighborhoods that have the right blend of strong cash flow and moderate risk, like parts of Hilltop or Whitehall.Once you know exactly what streets you want to buy on, it makes finding the right investor-focused agent and property manager much easier because you can find people who specialize in those specific pockets.Good luck with your search!

Pick the strategy that gets you into your first deal fastestMost beginners overthink the “perfect” strategy.What matters most is getting into a property that:• you can afford• a lender can actually approve• and you can confidently manage

There's a material fact missing here, and I'm surprised no one has picked up on it: How long has "tenant" been a tenant?

Creative structures like seller carry or JV partnerships are also picking up — they’re great tools when used on the right projects.Overall, access to capital is still there, but it’s definitely favoring experienced investors who bring solid numbers and a clear exit plan.

A lot of investors underestimate how much easier your first deal becomes when you pick a market where the margins actually allow room for mistakes.For a first flip in a city like Baltimore, here’s the workflow I’d follow:1.

Great question, Melissa — based on what we’ve seen across similar properties in SW Florida, pricing closer to the low-$710s range tends to generate stronger pre-season activity, especially for water-view homes without a pool.Showings typically pick up once listings sit just below a key search threshold, even within the same portal band.

Just pick 1 and do it, this is your recovery fund builder. 

Would love to pick your brain on good contractors, CPAs, Property Managers, etc.

A word of caution - there are a lot of "gurus" that offer free training that turns into an expensive course that will not give you what you are looking for other than what you can find for free online or here on BP.If you have a REIG in your area, join that and see if you can shadow some flippers and pick their brains.