Feel like vomiting!! Begin our business venture tomorrow!!!

[Antonio Marte]

My wife (business partner) and I are headed to DFW Texas to look at SFR's tomorrow.We are New Yorkers looking for an ideal buy and hold property. Very nervous!! Just wanted to know of any mistakes you guys might have made when shopping around for your first investment property. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Val Csontos]

@Antonio Marte I had several mentors early on in my investing carrier who told me one the biggest mistake I could do as a newbie is invest too far from where i live. They said before i should consider properties out of state of even out of the county, I should build a small portfolio of properties not more than 30 minutes from my house so i can learn the basics. I still find this advise sound 15 years later. 

     How ever If you must invest out of state, i would say:

1, Do some basic homework in advance before you go. Check us census data for stable population growth for each zip code you are considering, i like to see at least 1% population gain both historic and forecast  AND very important to check for crime infestation in the area, so you can to to here for that:    https://www.crimereports.com/

2, don't trust your realtor's input on investing, rather maybe ask a round thee RE Investor clubs in DFW area to locate a reputable investor and pay them a reasonable consulting fee to give you a second opinion about area or even a particular property. (make sure they are not involved in the transaction in any way.)

Good Luck to You both and I hope it does work out!