There are so many reasons why newbies should start their RE investing local.Finally I question if Midwest RE investing is likely to out produce the historical 10% return of the S&P 500. 

I have no debt other than the mortgage on my one condo, but the income it produces far surpass the monthly expenses. 

The returns are only 50% of what leverage could produce.

@Jim JacksonJim: You have "California" investor problems ... lots of equity and no cash.Refinancing the buildings would still leave you with 3 properties that don't produce cash.

My goal is to own a portfolio income producing properties that builds over time.

Not income producing debt, I am strictly talking small payment debt.

Hey Daniel,Getting forced placed insurance is standard when you buy a first mortgage.I'm not an expert on this process but afaik your servicer will request proof of insurance from your borrower and if they can't produce it, you will get the forced placed insurance.You know, the insurance will be at your own expense if it's a non performing note.

If a tenant is fixing to go out it can be less time as the landlord is already negotiating an LOI and then an executed lease with the tenant.Larger spaces big box can sit for awhile but those are rarely built new today mainly re-purposed.In some cold belt states net migration away produces excess inventory and with no growth then other tenants aren't lined up to take the space.Most of my clients are buying in high growth warm belt states even if they live in cold belt.

Some realtors produce market reports but I am wondering what other resources you consult on key metrics like median/average prices, rent to own ratios, growth rate, etc.

I was thinking of getting into it as a means of producing more income to put towards investing in real estate.