Definitely join your local chapter of REIA (real estate investors association) or join one of the ones that are fully online (Columbus and Cincinnati).

I’d love to hear about the crime rates or any other issues (which we cannot guess from the online stats), and how easy or hard it is to find reliable tenants and property management companies.

You can also check their reviews online at Google, Facebook, or Yelp.

Then of course google searches bring all these things to the front page and next thing you know reputations get hammered..

Build your knowledge with books, podcasts, and online resources, and network through local REIA meetings and virtual platforms.

Once I turned it into a LTR I was determined to solve it, so I had a very reputable plumber camera the line after it happened again.

Usually you can find this online.#3 Chances are you will never buy a $500,000 property for $30,000. 

Use your skills to network with local investors and professionals by attending meetups in the Conroe and Houston area, joining online forums, and connecting with property managers or realtors.

Obviously, if you are just looking for LTR's there is a bit less risk there.If you're going to do it, make sure to fully vet your team tooth and comb and ensure they have a reputation worth something to them.

I was seeing information online that suggested both routes...Thanks in advance for the help!