Investors will want to work with you if you are knowledgeable, can find deals and have connection with vendors.

The forums on here are such a great way to get great free knowledge.

I see mostly out of state or out of country investors working with New Western in Birmingham because they don't have the knowledge of the city and surrounding areas.

It's very intimate.  

.- Use local real estate agents who are familiar with investment properties to help you find the right deals.You're taking the right steps by seeking knowledge and networking.

Did you find any prior knowledge (tenant screening) of pets moving in?

Try not to get overwhelmed as there’s a lot of information on BP and many avenues within real estate investing.When I was starting out, I was interested in so many strategies, but I discovered that I did my best when I focused on one or two and really built my knowledge around them.

Told me the violation wasn't corrected in the 30 days required timeframe (yes you are correct, the repairs were done in time but they didn't come out to confirm). 

Quote from @David Epstein: I everyone, I know this is an older thread, but I'm also now getting into properties in the Albany area and am in need of a CPA with real estate tax knowledge for advance planning.

Without a firm base and working familiarity with these three areas the investor will not have the knowledge to analyze, negotiate and close advantageous real estate transactions. 2- Experience - the first few deals are likely to be smaller, harder, with more “surprises” and not as profitable as the investor imagined.