It went through this process myself and found that it was much easier for me to start my investing career after.

@Christian Licata I realized I wasn’t going to get anywhere just sitting on the sidelines and so I spent several weeks analyzing my target market and ended up choosing a SFH that was in a great location.

Getting your foot in the door is tough, but as I am sure many investors will tell you - the first one always takes the longest to get under your belt, but after that it gets much easier!

If you consistently analyze properties, recognizing a good deal will be much easier when it shows up.

That will be much easier.

With the rise of digital real estate, there are now many more options available that make it easier than ever before for potential tenants and landlords to find each other.

Who is your target audience? 

Was it easier going through USAA and did you consider any other lenders?

I'd probably target a $500k-$550k home next to get around 15%-17% down. 

Join off-market Facebook groups and local RE investor FB groups to get more local information about potential off-market properties, and find investor-friendly RE agents who are willing to work with you.I would recommend for a first deal at least to get something closer to home, easier to get back and forth to for your own sanity, ability to check on either construction or tenants, address repair and maintenance issues.