Los Angeles is not the only place to gain appreciation - although it is really good - but you pay for it...Anyway, I have stories about people who focused on rentals before buying their primary home and they've done great.

This was taken from the USA today. https://www.usatoday.com/story...

But that is a different story.  

Please adviseWe don't know the full story so maybe there was a reason he said so.

I hear so many stories of how people start out there journey and this seems to be the best way if your young like me with no money to spare...

Almost never the MLS.This sounds like a common story of out-of-state investors buying up class C with local third party management. 

I’m looking at it now and seek success stories.  

Maryland doesn't regulate PMs (which is a whole other story), however if the PM does have a real estate sales license (i.e., they're a Realtor) then they can be subject to discipline by the Maryland Real Estate Commission, and you can be compensated from the MREC Guarantee Fund.

The contract/sale was never recorded on the deed.For those wanting the horror story on how I got into this Contract for Deed, here you go....Had all 5 properties rented, 2 two people I knew personally.

Great story @Don Konipol