With home prices and assistance I feel this is a now or never thing (if I chose instead to buy a regular home), but this is also my first rodeo. 

Apparently investors reap regular dividends.

The key is understanding not just how to buy them, but how they fit into your long-term plan (flips, rentals, or BRRRR).A few tips from what I’ve seen work for investors I advise:- Build relationships with your county offices: Tax deed lists and foreclosure auctions are public info, but showing up regularly helps you spot patterns and deals others miss.- Get clear on your rehab numbers early: Many new investors think the property will be worth more than it actually is after fixing it up (the ARV) or forget to factor in how much it costs to hold the property while it’s being renovated.- Know your tax position before you buy: Depending on your income type and how you structure the deal (LLC, partnership, etc.), you could be losing deductions or missing out on ways to offset rehab costs.If you’re not already working with a CPA who understands real estate strategy, that’s one of the biggest early advantages you can give yourself.

Remember to post these videos to Facebook Live and YouTube regularly to potentially access a colossal audience of motivated sellers.Final ThoughtsClearly, using social media to attract and find motivated sellers is a great idea.

Another option is checking with local property management companies, as many have attorneys they work with regularly.

Each rental’s regular landlord policy needs to list you (or your LLC) as the named insured and have the liability limits that meet your umbrella’s minimum requirements (usually $300k–$500k).

There’s consistent occupancy from students, professionals, temporary relocations, and hospital staff, and they often allow for better cash flow than regular long-term rentals.

Due diligence we built systems and network to assist us to get it done faster along with networking with other experienced investors regularly. 

You should hire a handyman for stuff that requires a handyman (i.e, fixing locks, painting, minor plumbing work) and hire a general contractor for larger renovations that would require permits/licences/etc.Sounds like you know the answer...use both based on the particular situation.I'm in Chicago and use both on a regular basis.

They’re not just working harder; they’re working smarter with the S-Corporation tax strategy.But before we dive in, let’s clear one thing up:*This only works for active income.That means flipping, wholesaling, commissions, construction, or property management income.It does not apply to rental properties or long-term passive investments — and putting rentals inside an S-Corp is one of the worst tax mistakes you can make.Let’s break it all down:Step 1: Why the S-Corp Exists (and Who It’s For)An S-Corporation (S-Corp) is not a special type of company; it’s a tax election.You can form an LLC, then elect for it to be taxed as an S-Corp.It’s perfect for people earning active income — anything where you work for the money:-Flipping houses-Wholesaling deals-Real estate commissions-Property management fees-Contracting or constructionHere’s why:A sole proprietor or regular LLC pays self-employment tax (15.3%) on all net income.An S-Corp lets you split your income between:a “reasonable salary” (subject to payroll tax)and “distributions” (not subject to self-employment tax).That simple shift can easily save five figures a year once your business income hits the six-figure mark.Step 2: How the Wealthy Use It to Build Explosive WealthHere’s the play wealthy entrepreneurs use again and again:They pay themselves smart, not just more.Set a reasonable salary — what the IRS expects for your role — and take the rest as distributions to cut payroll taxes.They reinvest the savings.The extra cash that would’ve gone to taxes gets redeployed into more flips, marketing, or acquisitions — compounding their growth.They hire strategically.Many bring family members into legitimate roles, shifting income and creating generational wealth legally.They layer entities.Example:S-Corp runs the active business (flipping / wholesaling / management).LLCs hold the long-term rentals.That separation protects liability and keeps tax treatment clean.Why S-Corps Don’t Work for Rental PropertiesHere’s where many investors go wrong — using an S-Corp to hold rentals.