No reason to get ahead of yourself early on.

I visited Huntsville and Madison last year on a real estate scouting trip, but didn't make it as far as Hazel Green. 

keep doing what your doing your far ahead of 90% of all investors with 10 units.. not sure why you would spend 5k to be in a ra ra community. 

As with any other place come visit before you buy and spend a couple of days scouting things out so you know what parts you may want to stay out of.

I enjoy managing my own rentals and like being able to regularly visit my properties.

Ask about the maintenance history.Units: Visit as many individual units as possible to assess their condition and note any necessary repairs or updates.Structural Issues: Be vigilant about signs of water damage, mold, or pests, which could indicate larger problems.Safety Compliance: Verify that the property meets all local safety and building codes, including fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency exits.Financial and Operational AspectsRent Roll: Request a detailed rent roll to understand current rents, lease terms, and tenant occupancy.Expenses: Get a breakdown of all operating expenses, including utilities, maintenance, insurance, property management fees, and taxes.Income Verification: Ask for historical income statements (preferably 12 months or more) to verify the revenue.Vacancy Rates: Inquire about the historical and current vacancy rates and how they compare to the market average.Tenant Profile: Understand the tenant mix, including residential versus commercial tenants, lease lengths, and tenant turnover rates.Property Management: Find out if the property is currently managed by a professional management company and if you will retain or replace them.Legal and ComplianceZoning Laws: Ensure the property complies with current zoning laws and inquire about any zoning changes that may affect the property.Rent Control: Determine if the property is subject to rent control or other regulations that could impact income.Permits and Licenses: Check that all necessary permits and licenses are up to date.Value-Add PotentialRenovation Opportunities: Identify areas where you could add value through renovations or upgrades.Rent Increases: Assess the potential for increasing rents based on market rates and property improvements.Additional Income: Explore opportunities for additional income streams, such as laundry facilities, parking fees, or storage rentals.Environmental ConsiderationsEnvironmental Hazards: Check for any environmental issues like asbestos, lead paint, or underground storage tanks.Flood Zones: Verify if the property is in a flood zone and the implications for insurance and risk.Questions to Ask the SellerReason for Selling: Understand the seller’s motivation to gauge the urgency and possible negotiation points.Recent Repairs and Improvements: Ask about any recent capital expenditures and future planned repairs.Tenant Relations: Inquire about the relationship with tenants and any ongoing disputes or issues.Due DiligenceProfessional Inspection: Hire a professional inspector to conduct a thorough examination of the property.Appraisal: Obtain an independent appraisal to verify the property’s market value.Legal Review: Have a real estate attorney review all contracts, leases, and legal documents related to the property.By covering these aspects, you’ll be in a stronger position to make an informed decision about your potential investment.

thanks James, in analyzing regional data, Louisville continues to show a strong local economy, with a decent trend in the growing rental market, lower median home prices and values, good reasons to make it appealing to us since we are looking to expand our portfolios, providing more affordability to enter into this market ... besides, good friends live in this city ... our visit will make it a business expense :)

Research prices, network with agents, visit properties, consider financing options, and conduct thorough tenant screening for reliable tenants.Good luck!

Instead of eating leftovers we eat hot n ready pizzas, instead of paying for a college class and doing it get ahead we buy a six pack and play madden, instead of driving our old car we buy a new one.

Honestly, get on-line and read, buy a book, or talk to a knowledgeable person and you will be further ahead.