21 and eager, Where should I start?

[Joe Kilchermann]

I am 21 and have a wife and child. I have done a lot of research and I want to acquire rental properties in about 3 years. I have to get some things in line before I can start, but I want to be as prepared as possible. I am currently wondering:

-How can I find out if an area is right for a rental property?

-Where should I begin investing in the state? (In other words, where is the tried and true areas to invest in? I assume metro areas like Grand Rapids, Lansing, Detroit, etc. are the prime areas for rentals?)

-Lastly, Is their any active LL's and investors in MI that have turned rentals, or other forms of "passive income" investments, into their main income recently? If so, what was the biggest hurdle that you had overcome to reach that point in your investment career?

Thank you for reading this, and thank you for your time.

Joe Kilchermann Jr.

[Brandon Goldsmith]

I think one of the best things you can do is to find a mentor in your area and learn from them. You will, of course, be able to learn a great amount from BiggerPockets but finding someone who is doing what you want to be doing is one of the quickest way to learn. 

I also suggest talking to local lenders and realtors to get a better opinion of which city/area might fit your investing goals the best. @Joe Kilchermann