SignaturesThis Agreement is binding upon the parties and their successors.Contractor Signature:[Printed Name] [Date]Subcontractor Signature:[Printed Name] [Date]AttachmentsScope of Work document.Project drawings/plans.Proof of insurance and licenses.Payment schedule.Note: This template is for informational purposes only and should be reviewed by a legal professional to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.

With that in mind, my first idea was to buy a condo or a house in my local area (Palm Springs, CA) and use it as a long term rental. 

A good property manager can help with tenant screening, enforce lease terms, and handle evictions more efficiently if it comes to that.Require a Larger Security Deposit: Within the bounds of local regulations, a larger deposit can provide a cushion in case of damage or unpaid rent.Consider Rent Guarantee Insurance: Some companies offer insurance products that can cover lost rent in case of tenant default.

Great idea, but check your local regulations.

Usually, the confidence comes from more reps (seeing more homes and being more of an asset hunter not a spreadsheet warrior) and going to local meetups so you can meet all the other people nearby who are doing what you can't get yourself to do.

Mine was also out of state, in a town I’d never visited, and I relied heavily on videos from my agent.This sounds like a tough first deal, but it seems like you have some capital on the side, which will be useful as you face the upcoming challenges and learn from those expensive early mistakes.Regarding the subject of this post, “help me adjust my expectations,” I’d recommend assuming that; repairs will cost twice as much as you estimate, maintenance and vacancy rates will likely double from your initial projections, there’s a very real chance you may lose money on this deal.That said, there are ways to mitigate these risks by:- Keep asking questions here on BP and connecting with local experts- Stay proactive and communicative with your agent and property manager.And remember “Inspect what you expect.”Im not trying to discourage you but to help reset your expectations.

What trends are local real estate investors in the Greater Nashville area currently seeing or interested in?

I haven’t done my first deal yet, but through hiring a local contractor to build my personal residence I had this idea that I don’t hear people talking about.

If you're only really working your local market, and mostly driving for dollars, and want essentially a 1 stop shop that can do most things pretty well, then Deal Machine should work for you. 

Super nice guy, and a genius.You can also go checkout Divorce Lending Association and find a local CDLP if you'd prefer.