Look into crime maps, and do the old fashioned thing of getting in a car and driving the market if it's not in your back yard.

Everyone will tell you it’s great to get started early, or you can just move after a year, but in the current environment in our region the rent your property will generate after you move out will likely be less than your mortgage, if you are tied to the area and feel confident you want to stay in whatever property you buy for 3-5 years go for it, if you want flexibility rent and throw that money into and index fund. 

Police described the event as "shocking" and "unheard of." so far.

My husband and I own our home in Pflugerville and are thinking of renting it out while we're in Portland.

But I purchased land in cash and leveraged it to build a new construction stick built home.

You’re not using a PM, AND you’re assuming you can charge a service animal a deposit and pet rent?

Thanks for your kind words and thoughtful insights.

I have the passion and am looking for those who are willing to share the wisdom. 

They are all on separate parcels, paid off and occupied by long term tenants.

While sophistication of your equity partners (private money lenders) will vary between residential and commercial, the principle of raising private capital is the same.You need to develop your own system which allows a constant stream of PML even when you don't need the funds and/or don't have an active deal under contract.For example; I raise private capital by offering free educational workshops for people with self-directed IRAs.