I was looking at Melborne for something Air BnB (a year ago) I am keeping my eye on Tampa right now for potential commercial properties.... 

So multiple eyes and local expert providing local cost and input on lifespan.Here is an example that has a part that is more expensive in my market than other markets (unlike most parts that are the same everywhere, so in this case your cost should be significantly less due to both cheaper part and cheaper labor): $1600 40 gal water heater installed (this is good price for a plumber, a little high for a handyman) with expected life of 12 years (i have some that go 20 years and some that die in less that 10 years (mostly rheem die in less than 10 years), 12 years is fair life expectation

(I recently saw an article in Forbes talking about the Bay Area’s shifting market) And if you aim to hold properties long term, keep your eyes on towns around the Bay that have had consistent rent growth.Here in my home market of Phoenix, I see investors branching out to places like Austin, Chicago, and even Omaha from what Ive heard because they recognize how trends can shift quickly.

Nice to meet you I'm almost halfway through "The book on rental property investing" by Brandon Turner and it's really open my eyes to real estate! 

They see foreigners as one-off buyers so they're not too much concerned about building a relationship or their reputation in the eyes of somebody who doesn't live there for that matter.

Now is not the time to refi for you, keep an eye on the MBS market, when you see a 1-2% drop thats when you should refi.What state are you in?

CA is an expensive market and regarding tenant laws in my eyes more complicated/difficult as a rookie landlord.

As a general member hitting that "Report spam" button helps us keep an eye out for spammers who slip through!

It is always important to have eyes on as soon as possible after a guest leaves.  

From my experience the first team member to recruit will be a local Project Manager-someone who wants to help you long term as your eyes in the field and boots on the ground.