Narrow your top cities, build a local team, and refine your financial analysis to position yourself for success.Good luck!

That’s why I’m always refining my approach—whether it’s using alternative data sources, networking with local professionals, or adjusting how I reach out to owners. 

I haven't gotten serious yet and don't have a local agent, but I have been window shopping and may reach out.Hi @James Bing, yes I manage my own properties by leveraging technology & local relationships to automate the self managing process.

Once I get a solid foundation out here, I would like to scale my vision nationwide, since this is not just a local issue.

I'd recommend speaking with local specialists in your target market to look at multiple investment options side-to-side.Lastly, some of my clients have been encouraged to stay away from HELOCs unless they expect a lump sum (inheritance, sale of other asset, bonus, etc.) to pay off the HELOC in the next year or 2. 

Hi Jared, I’m a local agent here in Indianapolis and also an investor myself.

You can also PM me and I'll get you connected with a local RE Attorney here in Houston I recommend! 

If you owned the local grocery story, you wouldn't apply their grocery bill to their rent payment.

Be sure to tag your post with the location so local folks can reach out to you. 

Quote from @Edward Barrett: New investor here trying to stay in my local market (Dayton, OH).Since I've started looking for my first deal I've come across a few section 8 properties that seem to pencil, but I'm a bit loath to jump into that kind of deal.