“… I can understand charging a fee upfront as a small commitment to not shop the deal.”I can’t.

Love your plan to start with a house hack—duplexes or small multis are such a smart way to get into the game while keeping your living expenses low and building equity at the same time.

You’ll also want to set clear lease terms upfront, stay on top of maintenance, and understand NY landlord-tenant laws, which can be strict in some towns.You might want to start small, like a 2-family home, where the tenant lives in one unit and you live in the other. 

U only need a small deposit to bid.. and its organized pretty well.

7/1 ARM @ 5.75%.

Cross-post on Facebook GroupsSearch for and post in local groups like:“Fort Myers Seasonal Rentals”“SWFL Travel Nurses Housing”“Snowbirds Rentals Florida”You can often find direct tenants this way and avoid platform fees.3.

Quote from @Steve Cho: Hi all,New landlord here (<1 year) on a small apartment unit in a 32-unit complex.

I explicitly told the plumber that I don't live at the property, my tenant would answer the door, and I would need them to call me directly at my number to give me a quote on fixing the garbage disposal unit before any work is to be done.Instead, they went to my property and immediately got started on unclogging the sink.

Connect with local agents and wholesalers, and look at off-market strategies like direct mail or driving for dollars to uncover deals others miss.In the next 24 months, focus on saving 20–25% for a down payment and closing costs, and spend time learning the market.

Investment Info:

Small multi-family (2-4 units) buy & hold investment.

Purchase price: $625,000

Cash invested: $175,000

Off-market two-family rental property, long term buy & hold investment ...