If rates become more favorable in the future, we'll have an opportunity to refinance.Why we bought itThe 55-unit I mentioned earlier is a perfect comp for us.

That creates a really nice price / rent ratio which is favorable for investors looking for cash flow.

Try being an agent, your phone number is EVERYWHERE and you get targeted by a whole industry that wants to sell you the latest gimmick.Here is what helped me.I answer calls and when it's a telemarketer I will interrupt them and say very friendly (because I don't hate the poor person who gets paid to do this and coached to be ruthless): Hey, so glad you called, can you do me a big favor? 

The weather is great there, its cheap and ecology is clean.  

Courtesy of Dodd Frank, its doubtful the self employed will ever be viewed by lenders as favorable as a w2 employee.

We are out of state but would be open to working with someone local if they can offer favorable terms.2) Any local realtors you have worked with and been happy with?

Perhaps partnering with a real estate agent using the BP real estate agent finder tool may work out in your favor.

It has certainly been a challenge finding cash flowing properties in area where the demographic are favorable. 

If not for you and you prefer the traditional route, I would explore potential "up and coming" markets such as Acworth, Cartersville, and Douglasville, where the price-to-rent ratio is a little more favorable, and growth is apparent.

Private equity firms seem to favor larger operations with scalable systems, while smaller mom-and-pop firms are often acquired by local players or regional operators looking to expand their footprint.If you’re looking for actionable intel, reaching out to brokers specializing in the sale of PM firms could provide useful leads.