I used to do essentially free consulting with new investors on it but gave it up for some of the same reasons - everyone thinks you can just sit at home and buy good properties across the country that are in great shape. 

What type of properties are you looking to buy?

.: Quote from @Jay Hinrichs: when I was buying notes I did not even run credit.. but I only paid 10 to 20 cents on the dollar.  

First thing is to decide if you want to flip or buy/hold.

Then refinance at 80% and buy a few more and do it again. 

I hope the heck I've got more than a decade to go, but just have too many play things to do that are more important than buying another house.

If you find a good PM they can help you find, buy, and rent a property.  

So if 3 siblings all buy a house together and all live in it when they sell up to $750k can be excluded.If married only one person needs to meet the ownership requirement-but both must meet the use requirement. 

Personally when buying rentals I tend to buy in neighborhoods that I feel like I wouldn't personally mind living in and when I look for tenants I try to look for people that not only pass my screening but also I personally don't dislike.  

Investment Info:Single-family residence buy & hold investment in Valdosta.