I’ve saved up capital to get started, and I’m looking to learn the right way from people already doing it.I’m not looking for handouts—I’ll pull my weight however needed.

In the Midwest, I’ve seen that serious offers usually need to be written so sellers and their agents actually take them seriously, since verbal “offers” don’t carry much weight.

The agents opinion has no weight with lenders in regards to  what they will lend on a property.

I invest in the Midwest where deals often cash flow better without needing heavy lifts, but in higher-priced markets like Portland, your strategy of adding units is often the way to make numbers work.

If you have a good broker they are worth their weight in gold, but they are not easy to find.

@Jay Hinrichs yep - we work with many and experience and available cash are adding weight to their decisions as are locationmany are not doing condos in Florida and one we know is out 100% on anything in Florida 

If multi tenant building some leases might can be 3 to 7 years term for weight average.   

Get an Eminent Domain Attorney FirstA local eminent domain attorney is worth their weight in gold—especially on the appraisal and appeal side.They can coordinate the independent appraisal, negotiate with the city, and handle the legal steps if you dispute the offer.2.

If you don’t have MLS access, a good relationship with a local realtor who’s investor-minded is worth its weight in gold—they’ll know not just what sold, but why it sold at that price.As for adjusting for renovations, I try not to overcomplicate it.

The housing stock is old (1920-1960s), charming, and relatively good size, but they require lifting if you're chasing top market rent.