Real estate investment is my future.This amazing voyage begins with setting personal goals and vision.

Cosmo - I personally don't know Phoenix well, but if I had to do this in another city I would look at income levels, crime levels, and population growth (if you can) by zip code and/or area within a DMA as a starting point.

From what I have researched they seem legitimate but the person I am working with is flakey, takes forever to answer questions so I thought I would see if anyone else had experience with this lender.  

Look into a DSCR, Debt Service Coverage Ratio, loan where the rental income can be used to qualify the cash out refinance instead of your personal income.To Your Success! 

You look like the kind of person who is going somewhere.

People like to rent from a person not a 'brand', it's more personal.

The interest rate on a HELOC or Heloan may be better than the personal loan. 

I personally would fix the 3 windows and maybe consider cutting the rent a little more to gather more interest. 

I personally haven't sent postcards, I've had good luck with PPC and Video ads. 

There are many here in my local area and your area is likely to have the same type of meetings.Most of the deals that I fund are by meeting investors in person at these groups and creating strong relationships.