That requires the Bank/Lender to offer multiple programs.

Yes, you still need the pictures that show what the whole room has to offer, but put some gripping close-ups in your first 5-10 photos.

When comparing markets, most investors focus on a few core metrics: rent-to-price ratio (aim for 0.8–1%+), job/population growth, landlord-friendly laws, and overall affordability.Texas and North Carolina tend to offer strong growth and relatively landlord-friendly regulations.

The Midwest tends to offer solid rental returns, usually enough to cover the mortgage and still cash flow if you buy right.It’s worth comparing other stable Midwest markets for diversity.

There’s a ton of opportunity in those suburbs depending on what you’re optimizing for: Hanover Park and Elk Grove tend to offer stronger cash flow, while places like Morton Grove or Niles lean more toward appreciation and stability.If you’re open to both long-term and mid-term rentals, you’re in a great spot, the northwest suburbs have solid tenant demand from hospitals, corporate relocations, and families looking for good schools.Happy to chat anytime about investment strategy, rent comps, or local submarket data if you want a deeper dive.

Lower maintenance costs and builders are able to offer better incentives that solve for some of the problems in this market. 

They may charge you (at your age, I would not suggest paying for a mentor), or they may expect you to work for them for little or no money...if they expect you to work for them, they usually will want you to bring some proven experience and skills to the table that will benefit them--but at 19, most people don't have much experience to offer (that's not your fault, it's just an inherent part of being a young adult)....but don't worry, because even if you could find a mentor right now, a mentor might not even be the best use of your time at this stage...In some cases, a mentor might actually get in the way of your success (especially if your mentor isn't well-matched to your style, interests, goals, etc).

Turnkeys USED to be fairly easy for flipping companies to offer at a price that cashflowed for investors.That was when prices were still recovering from the Great Real Estate Crash of 2008-2010.Now, prices in most areas of the country have set new record highs - and prices have increased faster than rents, making it much harder for a Turnkey Flipper to sell at a price an investor can cashflow.The only way it happens now is with Class C properties or new construction with builder-paid Temporary Mortgage Rate Buydowns.Most newbie investors are clueless about the realities of Class C Properties/Tenants, where the promoted returns are rarely actually met:(Several investors that bought new construction turnkey 3+ years ago have had their mortgage rates adjust upward, significantly increasing their payment, but rental rates have NOT kept pace - leading to negative cashflow:(So, PROCEED WITH CAUTION!

I’m looking to connect with real estate wholesalers or anyone willing to offer guidance as I work toward closing my first wholesale deal.

If I were you I'd wait until it's vacant to buy, but if you have to do it, I'd try to offer them cash for keys and even offer to throw them a few hundred bucks to get movers.