I belong to the Local REIA and Landlord Association here in Philadelphia where you can conduct a lot of great Due Diligence.

<-- income capped, meaning middle class and modest income only, but HUGE for those below the threshold.Mortgage interest deduction.Property tax deduction.Being able to write-off maintenance/repairs on your rental properties.For Californians, Prop 13 is a huge boon to buy-and-hold REI.There's a reason that entire books, intended for the middle class and others that aren't paying $10k/yr for CPA services, have literally been written about how to maximize tax goodies associated with owning real estate. 

Consider joining one of the local real estate investors associations. 

@Bryan Weschler Conventional financing (Fannie, Freddie, FHA, VA, USDA) for a condo requires that the condo (meaning the condo association) be warrantable.

That has both pro & con issues associated with it, including over regulation and high taxes (for everything).

Try to check out the local  or State chapters of the National Apartment Association.  

With rental property, the delays and fees associated with each expense payment can be a barrier.A self-directed IRA LLC will provide you with checkbook control.  

Does anyone have any ideas on what a fair return  would be when apporaching certain family members or associates for the purpose of investing some extra money they have in my 1st buy and hold real estate purchase.  

I am not 100% sure the fee's and costs associated with LexisNexis but I have been very happy with TLO. 

We are also members of the AZREIA group @Sue Reynolds which meets every second Tuesday of the month at the Tucson Association of REALTORS building located at 2445 N Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716.