I'll admit, I might've bitten a little more than I could chew, but I got anxious and I just wanted to have my first property in the city that was up north. 

Our process server charges $40 within the city limits.

I retired 10 years in and my wife 14 years into the journey. 85 % of my portfolio is 200 year old converted city row homes that are maintenance monsters and we still have enough cash flow to retire from our W-2.

Quote from @Brandon Foster: Hello Ryan,STR is do able in the north county area but there are a lot of rules and regulations.The city of Oceanside right now will not allow anything STR unless it’s west of pacific coast hwy.This is changing a lot too so you need to be aware of that in your plans.Carlsbad is super strict too but there are some condos that are still available to do STR in.Medium term rentals are as safer bet but way less profitable.

Rare do I hear of recommendations but I do hear people asking.I would think in any big city you think about, a visit to a local NARPEM meeting or 2-3 visits would be a great idea. 

Many people get bored after a week or two and won't want to stay longer as there are hardly any cities and not much happening and there's so much jungle you can look at in a day (it's a great place for quiet retirees).

Our logical process:1) Use Neighborhood rankings to narrow down area of city you want to invest in2) Focus on getting to know that Neighborhood(s), so you know the good & bad streets, block-by-block.3) Be patient to acquire properties on good streets that meet your buying criteria.Our rankings are done with a "bell curve" approach.

Ashley, what city are you in?

As a realtor who works closely with both short-term and long-term rental investors, I’d love to be a resource for you while you’re in town.Having spent my entire life here, I know the city inside and out (Indianapolis) , from neighborhoods with strong rental demand to up-and-coming areas that offer excellent long-term growth potential. 

.: Quote from @Don Solt: Hi folks, As the topic states I'm looking to learn everything I can about the City of Philadelphia and its real-estate market.