Unless you are planning on investing in your back yard and have extra time to spend, getting a good PM is very important.  

Short term rentals are legal when the host is living in the same apartment as the guests and there are no more than 2 guests staying with the host."

Can you buy a duplex in Arkansas and live in one side just to get your feet wet and make sure you like the area?

I'm a guy approaching middle-age, living in Chicago.

Beautiful weather, outdoor activities, and a vibrant culture add an extra layer of appeal for both residents and investors.But Florida isn't a one-size-fits-all market.

It also allows gives you greater flexibility.Plus, once you flip the home and make a few dollars, you should be able to pay the HELOC to a zero balance as well as having extra funds to throw in your war chest.

You are not paying for their services and won't cost you anything extra anyways. 

Hi Devin, Have you ever considered that instead of America needing smaller homes that are more affordable, that America needs more higher paying jobs so that people can live the actual American dream versus having to settle for less and less and less (Has George Carlin pointed out in his classic speech about this). 

Unless you want to live in that district, I would avoid any and all purchases in an area like that.

I live in Manchester NH as well.