Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

HII posted this summary to help a beginner investor in Dallas Ft Worth yesterday...thought there might be some info you could use too...Hi as a beginner investor with the flexibility you have to move often and LIVE in a propertyyou can have the best of all investor  situations with best loan terms, owner occupied PRIORITY TO WIN HUD BIDS and get bank foreclosures, all while maintaining complete control over timing, tenant selection and growing your appreciating income producing portfolio at your own pace.

@James Fulmer that is an awesome idea that I suggest to almost everyone getting started with investing.Welcome to BP, there is lots of info here that will educate you on selecting a duplex that meets your personal and financial needs.What part of NC will you be relocating to?

You selected the unlicensed contractor.

I would like add to the question - my going in belief is that my selection process should prioritize marketing/lead generation training since lead generation is the most challenging part of being a new agent.

The thing that pops immediately into my head, and will be what you likely run into the most, is that it will sound like you're renting to essentially AirBnB their place.Why would they let you do that, and how would the lease be structured in a non-onerous way where the owner lets you select the sub-leaser w/o direct involvement from themselves?

I have got the bid on the property with the repairs required, but wanted to check in this forums on how to select the contractor based on the bids, Is it purely based on Price , or ReferralsThis would be the first time i would be working with them @Kyle Gray Thank you for the extensive reply , how do i get involved in the selection of items as the contractor is going to do the selection for us on whats required based on the bid submitted, Please let me know how i can get involved in the selectionThank you @J Scott@James Wise  i will check with some GCsThank you all 

How do you guys go about selecting the bank to start forming a relationship with.  

If you have other applicants wanting to rent, and they are either better, or just as good, you may choose to select them over the person with the dog.