One of the most successful investors that I know in my area told me that his business really didn’t take off until year 10.

There are no problems being a landlord , just buy a property take the first renter that applies and rake in the cash . 

Once you know the "basics', you can then invest OOS more successfully.If you can't afford to invest in your home area, how will you grow your knowledge of an OOS if you take a shotgun approach to where you buy?

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

It desn't take a lot for someone who knows a little to view someone who knows slightly more as an "authority".7.

Not a full fledged house hack, but enough to take the sting out of the rate we got.Not all of Citrus Heights is the same, but the area near Fair Oaks/Orangevale/Carmichael has a good balance of price and quality.

I did view their financials in January of this year they looked good to me.

There might be some negotiation room for you to adjust the taking of proceeds so that you end up the the real estate (and deferred tax) in a 1031. 

But all it takes is one sour deal (investor loses a lot of money) for hindsight to kick in.You're right....who you work with matters.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to make your Airbnb listing stand out?