Make sure you understand the local rental market and have a reliable team for rehabbing properties.- **House Hacking:** This can be a great way to start, especially if you're looking to live in one of the units.

I think when you start you need to make sure you work with people who are reliable.

**Cash Flow & Reliability**: The cash flow can be great, especially since the rent is typically above the average for the area, and it’s guaranteed by the government.

While they cash flow, we've realized we're over-leveraged and want to take a different approach.Our plan is to purchase our first investment property in Indiana, possibly paying cash, with the goal of generating reliable income.

Leaving stuff unresolved, with anything, especially divorce, is an energy vampire that is always hungry. 

They will be your most reliable tenant.

Even the best property management companies (PMC) struggle with:- Finding reliable handyman and contractors (ServiceTechs)- Same with affordable ones- Tracking preventive maintenance- Tracking previous work for potential reoccurrence warranty coverage- Understanding tenant reported problems, so the correct ServiceTech can be dispatched- Determining if tenant is at fault for an issue & should be charged - and will proof stand up in court?

@Les Jean-Pierre Had Section 8 tenants and got a bunch of energy upgrades through a state program.

Is there a reliable source to get this information from other than agents? 

Sometimes, the more old-school approach like posting on local community boards can help you find reliable tenants.