Ramon will say yes to everything upfront, then hit you with inflated charges later—sometimes doubled or tripled—and they’ll basically hold your project hostage until you pay.I’ve done flips in California, Hawaii, and Georgia.

Steve, with tenants who’ve been in a place for 40 years, you’re really dealing with a different category of renter — these folks have basically treated the place as their home longer than many owners stay put.

What a strange concept, I thought.But in my research I am now wondering what some experts might think about.....what I'm thinking....Ok, so if I finance a conventional mortgage (conventional as in amortizing), the principle adds a substantial amount of cost to my monthly payment. 

At this point, you’re basically investing remotely either way, so you might as well choose a market where numbers are stronger and property management is already built out.Some out-of-state markets that are beginner-friendly with solid rent-to-price ratios:Akron & Canton, OH – Affordable entry points, consistent rental demand, strong cash flow.Columbus, GA – Stable military/manufacturing economy, good PM availability, lots of rent-ready inventory.Huntsville, AL – Job growth + appreciation play, still landlord-friendly.Birmingham, AL – Cash flow focus with reliable PM options for out-of-state owners.Since you already have access to the $60K HELOC, consider using it strictly for down payments rather than renovations.

I bought SFR under 20 years old in a market with no damaging weather, stucco siding, and tile roofs for basically zero exterior maintenance.

Just the basics provided by the hosting company or something more?

Generic rentals with basic décor—think standard furniture from big-box stores and uninspired kitchens or bathrooms—are starting to phase out.

It'll be hard to find a seller who will be willing to vacate a paying tenant prior to closing for the reasons already laid out above: basically if you back out for any reason during the contract period whether by choice or for reasons beyond your control, then the seller is stuck with a vacant unit and no income until they find a different buyer or a new tenant.

Well, basically everything!

Quote from @Melissa Wilson: Both buying and selling, I am baffled by the lack of basic communication skills and relationship management ability.