I personally walked and researched every property prior to investing to understand what I was buying, what could be done to add value and what I should expect in cash flow and appreciation.Learning what makes a good investment for you is absolutely necessary. 

If you put in the effort to source the right opportunity, you’ll find a way to fund it—even with minimal personal cash investment.It sounds like you already have the skills and experience; now it’s just about structuring the right deal.

.: My question is… Do people promote buying rentals due to some sort of  personal benefit/conflict of interest?

Nothing personal. 

Personally, I would pay off the higher rate first. 

instead, why not find a market 1-2 hours away where you can be hands-on / in-person?

While under contract, we perform due diligence and there will be some soft costs incurred. 

I’d recommend checking local investor groups or networking with other landlords in Memphis to get recommendations for more competitive options.One company I’d personally recommend looking into is RiverTown Realty.

I personally would recommend it but it isnt the best run 3 day. 

I cannot comment on the performance of his fund though.