Get really good at running flip numbers (doesn't have to be perfect, just conservative + buffers) 5.

However our buy box was conservative.  

It just wasn't conservative enough. 

That means you can learn the fundamentals, start small with a single rental or duplex and then evaluate syndications with real operational context.You’re entering from a strong position - take your time, stay conservative, and the compounding will do its work.Always happy to chat more about what's worked for other investors.

Keep it simple: pick one buy box, walk properties weekly, run real comps and conservative rents, and make one offer this month.

If it holds up under conservative estimates, it’s a decent, low-risk first step; if not, keep saving for a stronger dealThank you Denise, I was also considering getting a mortgage as well for this property and don't want to keep some cash liquid.

In short: $558k gross, ~9% cap, modeled cash-flow of ~$92k/yr with professional management (or ~$140k if self-managed), and conservative 5-yr after-tax proceeds of ~$1.4M.I’m sharing the math, assumptions, depreciation treatment, and the risks/opportunities I saw (value-add ideas, occupancy sensitivity, and market comps).

For investors, this means:You don’t have to waive contingencies.You can make cleaner, more conservative acquisitions.You can negotiate based on condition, not desperation.We’re seeing homes sit 40, 50, even 60+ days in price ranges that used to evaporate in a weekend.

Robert, great goals—here’s a clean path: master one BRRRR-friendly submarket in central PA first with a tight buy box and conservative ARV/rehab so you can prove your model and build a track record you can take to bigger deals.

Tax deed is a high‑reward, high‑risk lane: titles can be messy, redemption windows vary, and you often can’t inspect, so you win by mastering one county’s rules, running conservative ARV/rent comps, and budgeting for quiet title plus unknown repairs.