@Ned CareyMy wife and I are investors and we run a small REIA on the Eastern Shore.

I also work in lending, so I understand how creative financing can help investors get these kinds of opportunities moving

Some successful investors start out by putting one on every door on the block.

Great to have you here - getting started is often the hardest (and most exciting) part.Here are some beginner-friendly tips to help you find good deals and know what to watch for during a purchase:How to Find Good Deals --Work with investor-friendly agents or a turnkey provider company in cash-flowing markets (many off-market deals come from relationships).Target secondary and tertiary markets like Akron & Canton, OH, Ocala, FL, or San Antonio, TX - lower prices, solid rents.Use deal-finding tools like:Realtor.com with filters for multi-family or SFRPropstream or BatchLeads for distressed or pre-foreclosure listsJoin local Facebook groups & BiggerPockets forums for wholesalers and pocket listingsMake lots of offers – the more you analyze and submit, the faster you learn what a “deal” looks like.What to Pay Attention to During a PurchaseBuy based on numbers, not emotion:Aim for cash-on-cash return of minimum 2%-3% in most casesInspect EVERYTHING:Foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC - unexpected repairs kill cash flow.Know the neighborhood:Check crime data, school ratings, and rent comps.Is it landlord-friendly (check state/local laws)?

Horton, America's largest homebuilder and we offer AMAZING opportunities for investors to get the best deals in the area that actually make cash flow achievable in today's market. 

This community is full of investors, contractors, and creatives who love innovative ideas, so you’re in the right place to exchange insights and make connections.Even as you’re just getting started, I’d recommend sharing your projects, challenges, and any lessons learned along the way—people here respond really well to real-world experience.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve helped clients close 30+ transactions  and now I’m diving into investing myself.I’m here to connect with other investors, learn more about the game, and hopefully bring value by helping others find and lock in great deals in my market.

I do private hard money loans for flippers and RE investors in SoCal.

I know versions of this question have been answered, but as a new investor, is it most conducive to keep my first rental property in my own name and look into an umbrella excess policy (1-2 mil limits)?

It’s the #1 reason investors shy away from MTR.But here’s the thing: that risk can be managed.