.: I was told by my PM at a recent move out it was now considered normal wear and tear and you couldn’t charge for it. 

I thought a FHA loan would be the best option but now I am second guessing my choice since interests rates might be higher.

It's required now with the new regulations.

Quote from @Richard Schubert: Closed and now have the keys in my hand.

This means that you will probably need to pay registration and filing fees in at least 2 states if you don’t buy CA property as a CA resident.Be sure to tell your accountant that you may now need to file non-resident income tax returns in each state where you own property as well.

While I’d love to invest locally, most properties here are beyond my price range.Right now, I’m compiling a list of potential properties, underwriting deals, and reaching out to Realtors.

Now I'm not saying that to say that their customers should expect to be able to talk to a representative at their company on odd hours or anything.

Now days you don't buy a deal you make the deal either with how you operate the property, how you finance the property, or how you purchase the property.

Now I'm operating my own bookkeeping business specializing in real estate.

It all comes down to having the right team and knowing your market inside and out.For context, I built a 12-property portfolio in Detroit that now brings in $16K/month in gross rents.