I have always used Zillow/Redfin to find property and then use other tools to verify and evaluate details about them (like finding out how much rent you can get,  confirming property taxes on the county website, HOA fees, etc.). 

I'm meeting with a couple agents i was referred to through my network and am wondering what critical questions I should be asking them to understand if they are the right partners for me in this market, especially considering I will be managing this investment from the other side of the country, and what info I should be prepared to provide to them.

There are 4 Single Family Homes built on the site. 2 are built-to-sell and 2 are built-to-rent.What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

Let me know if you have questions, I really went through and through the process on this deal. 

3.5% down is offered through a FHA lender.

Hello Doug, I am not a real estate attorney nor is this legal advice.Unless someone's state has specific laws banning contract assignments you should be fine doing the following.  

As you probably read through the comments on this thread, there are many moving pieces, costs, and folks involved in this transaction. 

I'll give you the secret to success, and if you truly follow this advice, you'll be happy and successful in life, whatever that is for you....

In the long run it would save you $. 

Binghamton is starting to see new business coming in too.Where I live Ithaca, NY prices are going through the roof.