I am looking to invest in an rural area that is economically challenged but has a strong rental market in Indiana.

I like Houston the most due to the economic drivers and know the market very well.

The spillover effects from Orlando that are perhaps more apparent in Mount Dora / Apopka seem to diminish in Leesburg / Tavares, so I'm working to get a better handle on the economic drivers there.I'm out of town this weekend, but I'm up for a Saturday or Sunday morning in the next few weeks.

Read business books, REI books, economics, investing, personal growth/goals/motivation topics.Start tracking your net worth with an app, personal finance software or a spreadsheet. 

@Brian BogartFor LLC purposes, you can basically do whatever you want when it comes to ownership interest compared to economic interests.

Here are demographics and economic factors we're watching that could translate to a housing slow down.The largest group of borrowers, baby boomers, are aging out. 

Probably not, considering that 10 years ago it was the worse economic crisis in at least 70 years since the Great Depression.BUT, if those who did not understand that it was a FANTASTIC time to invest once the crisis was over, even if the same thing occurs, their risk intolerance will probably steer them to the investments that won't appreciate the most, and that is unfortunate.This is really about education in the long run.People have to add to their inventory of skill sets for an investor the ability to calculate and understand appreciation and other future values.It's the only way to get used to the psychology that things change in the future and where you buy can either capture that change if it's good, or avoid it if it is not.I just can't believe people make a decision on an Investment based on one single calculation for today, usually the Cash on Cash Return, and then completely ignore all future economics.That's like the squirrel that doesn't bother saving his nuts for the winter because he has a lot around in the fall when they dropped off the trees.Good thing squirrels can think about the future value of saving his nuts!

I use an economic unit addendum, which basically states that they are jointly and severely liable for all terms of the lease. 

Markets like Austin and Dallas are on fire when it comes economic and demographic trends but they aren't good cash flow markets.

This was super important for me: Make sure you understand the difference between the types of interests and rights that can be passed along to an heir, for example if your agreement is set up so that your partner's SO gets his share upon his death, does that person only have economic interest (just gets to collect their half of proceeds) or voting/decision rights?