I’ve bought in markets I never even visited and as long as the math works the zip code doesn’t matter.

MATH, we can go to the data to see what things ACTUALLY are.

We do the math 2 ways...what if they pay us and what if they don't and typically go with the lower number.

People spend HOURS of training on this subject and there are plenty of horror stories of people who purchased homes...and didn't do ANY math before they bought.

I see too many new investors fall for the trap of bait and switch and it can be completely avoided with more homework.

And I like how you tied it back to the neighborhood details — schools, crime, neighbors, resale — because on paper a deal can look great, but if the area isn’t solid, the numbers won’t hold up.As someone just starting out, this reinforces that I need to be just as careful about who I hire and where I buy as I am about running the math on a property.Appreciate you sharing this — it’s exactly the kind of perspective I need right now. 

That's a personal opinion on CoC return but when I run these numbers for clients - that's where the math usually falls out.

(Keep in mind that Math was NOT my favorite subject at school.)

The math doesn't make sense to me when there's great appreciation, but bad cashflow. 

Do the math: How much do you stand to lose in 3-4 months (timelines vary widely, depending on the state/market, but 3-4 months is certainly not crazy) of lost rent while pursuing the eviction?