For example: Focusing only on licensable STRs will save a lot of expense, effort and heartache and having on the ground support for projections, evaluation and assessment are often the difference in identifying or proceeding with an acquisition.

Use the cash on cash return projection to determine what amount down makes sense.Always reference your DSR and break even point occupancy as well in your evaluations.If the asset is C class (or worse), and it still doesn't meet cash flow expectations (after putting 25% down), don't buy it. 

Quote from @Nofar Elhanati: Hi everyone,I'm an investor based in Israel and I'm currently focused on the Columbus, Ohio market as I work toward my first U.S. deal.My primary strategy is Fix & Flip, with a strong interest in small multifamily properties as well, as long as the numbers make sense.I'm currently analyzing deals in the following range:* Purchase price: $80,000–$100,000* Property type: Single-family & small multifamily* Rehab: light to medium* Open to neighborhood recommendationsI plan to manage the project as an out-of-state investor and I'm already in conversations with local agents, while continuing to build my team on the ground.For those active in Columbus:* Which neighborhoods are currently working best for flips in this price range?

I'd use that to project my reserves!

If you need some killer shots of a listing or a project, I’m your guy.Looking forward to catching you guys in the threads and growing together!

You can't change the neighborhood unless you buy the whole thing.Start with simple projects, as @Marcus Auerbach mentioned above. 

Some markets have 20-30% rent swings between summer/winter that can make or break your cash flow projections.

I have around $130k in this project so far and am worried that I am going to have to take a huge loss on this project. 

Attach a price to each part of the project.

Jimmy, while at that price, we need to be pretty generous with what is considered "move in ready", I still wouldn't expect much luck under $150,000.Today, I saw a 900/ft² project close to downtown listed for $200k, and it might be a stretch for some to see it as move in ready.If you're open to condo/townhouse, you might get closer with a 1 bedroom.