First time investor looking for advice

[Dan W.]

We are interested in finding a property to rent out, with the possibility to move into once we retire, but we feel overwhelmed by all the information!  We've been reading books, checking websites and listening to pod casts; the more we learn, the dumber we feel!  We're interested in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro, NC area because of the potential to rent and the area.  Properties are expensive, though, so we aren't sure if this is the way to go.  Should we be looking at foreclosures or is that only for "experienced" investors?  It would be strictly a rental investment for about 10 years.  Advice?