@Michael Gayer Jr I think using MLS is going to be your best bet. 

If you are able to get a loan, I would bet your leverage would only be 50-60%, so you are looking at 150k -250k. net of fees.

Your best bet is to network with investors and mortgage brokers that are investor friendly.

Then use a web based application taking service like rentmarketplace dot com to take applications and do credit check.Read in the landlording forums on how to screen, write your ad (besure to put your written requirements at the bottom of your ad so applicants know before they call).In time you may decide to turn over management to a property manager, or an agent.  

I bet I couldn't even call him and ask him for beers for $90, much less get him to leave the office!

These smaller targets include daily goals of 20 minutes of reading(love the BP books) or podcast listening, and analyzing 5 deals a day(thanks goodness the web tools work on mobile devices). 

Hi all,My name is Ray Southern and I'm looking to break into the world of REI.I've been a web engineer in Chicago for going on 15 years now, almost completely self-taught.It's been a great career, but I need to start looking ahead to retirement.I have no experience in real estate, except a condo I bought in 2008 as my primary residence, right before the market tanked.I'm still in the condo, did some refinancing, and plan on keeping it for good (great neighborhood), maybe renting it out if I start a family and need to move.My overall plan?

If a future tenant has any semblance of a case against you (even if it's not your fault), you can bet the rent board or court would side with the tenant. 

Again, I've learned more at BP web site than all the education info I've seen in the past 10 years.   

It's certainly more likely that you'll get a response than a yellow letter, but I bet you'll need some thick skin for the responses you'll get.