I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t consider this opportunity because my current company has about 50 homes throughout New England with about 1100 employees and is well funded.

I suggest you buy fewer but better properties for better cash flow and appreciation. 

Paid a top local esigner to come have a look and all she did was insult our cute little place that was doing just fine.....But I think where a designer could add value is by suggesting unique areas, like game rooms, coffee bars, outdoor BBQ/play areas, and stuff like that. 

She asked my opinion and I suggested removing a few items from the front - which she appreciated.

I highly suggest getting your feet wet in your local market if possible if you plan to rehab or manage the property yourself.

I would suggest having a conversation to understand why they made the decisions they made.

But I'd suggest you definitely partner with an experienced investor.

As a former house hacker myself, I'd suggest you try not to get too close (in terms of friendship) with your tenants - the tenant/landlord relationship can make it tricky to become friends.Do you have a price range or down payment amount that you're targeting?

While I'm not in Indy, I might suggest you share some more details of what you're looking for in this coffee meeting and/or share what part of the real estate world you're most interested in learning about for this first meeting. 

I would suggest getting Dave Ramsey's book called The Total Money Makeover and read that.