Quote from @Ron Amshalom: Hey lenders — I’m curious: when you review a refinancing or DSCR deal,what are the key details or subtle red flags that make you decide “this deal is worth pursuing”?

Management and cleanings are key to success, either can make or break your income.

The key to starting is identifying a property that offers solid cash flow potential in a stable market, and securing financing that fits your situation—whether that’s a conventional loan or an FHA loan if you plan to owner-occupy.It’s common to hesitate due to fear of making mistakes, but the reality is that practical experience is invaluable.

You are buying a turn-key rental which is why the returns look terrible.

The key is definitely finding an investor-friendly agent who understands how to evaluate properties based on local voucher amounts and can help you avoid areas with higher tenant turnover or inspection delays.

Keeping property level expenses organized is key, especially as you scale.

Some areas investors are seeing success:Midwest metros — Cleveland, Indianapolis, Kansas City, ColumbusSoutheast — Birmingham, Huntsville, Little RockSmaller Rust Belt cities — Toledo, Dayton, PittsburghThe key is looking for properties under ~$150K that need light to moderate rehab, so after you refinance, your mortgage stays low enough to cash flow.

The inner metro isn't the only story; strong fundamentals exist in outer-ring areas and key growth corridors.Perth’s coastal suburbs continue to show resilience, driven by lifestyle demand and limited land supply, while inland areas offer greater affordability and entry points for value-focused investors.

Deals often come from relationships.Biggest challenge is low inventory and competition — so persistence is key.

The keyless entry and keypad works well with actual mechanical buttons, and then we generally have a lock box up at the property with a hard key in it if needed.