@Amir PortalRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

When I began investing in cabins in the Smokies, I made rule that I would only buy cabins on creeks or rivers where you can catch your dinner. 

Stick to Your TypeWarren Buffett once said, “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.”Apply this principle here:Decide on your property type.Say no to anything outside of that type.You can always pivot down the road, but starting with focus is crucial to building momentum.

Asking in the correct forum will get a better response.Read the RULES!

Each town has different rules regarding rent control. 

@Zach Denny  Similar to what Minna posted above, I have done with a local portfolio lender bank where they set their own lending rules. 

We do live in a small rule area where properties are a little cheaper, but so far it’s been very difficult to find something that seems to pencil out.

Asking in the correct forum will get a better response.Read the RULES!

Many people choose NOT to have this, because the administrator will then vet every investment you make to ensure you do not invalidate your IRA.Invalidating your IRA means that you've done a prohibited transaction and the entire account is then deemed as distributed to you.If you don't want checkbook control, then I recommend a plan administrator such as Equity Trust - www.trustetc.comIf you are sure that you're aware of all the rules around prohibited transactions and disqualified people (who you can and can't do business with), then a plan administrator like Sense Financial would be a good place to start talking.  

We have tried to take all the skills we have learned in our W2 carrier and apply them to our personal business.