It takes time and patience, but the long-term benefits are well worth it.I’ve personally gained invaluable knowledge, listings, and deals from friendships I’ve built over the years.The more people you engage with, the faster you’ll achieve your goals!

.- 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.

Here are additional comments:1) Buying out of state removes any local knowledge you have from assisting in your success, including knowing areas, people and costs. - We always recommend buying your first rental locally if possible and DIY managing to learn as much as possible before investing OOS.2) Lots of crooks and incompetents in the PMC world:( They both cost you money.- As already stated, you'll have a small portfolio.

.🎓 The Knowledge EdgeWhat makes both investments successful?

With my deep knowledge of Atlanta’s real estate landscape—both the hidden gems and areas to be wary of—I can help you navigate the market wisely.

Loads of information on the forums and BP tools for you to expand your knowledge or find just about anything.I am on the lending side of things and am always happy to talk shop with investors looking to learn more about financing options out there, even if not in my resource pool.

The best part is the free CD is nothing more than a bunch of vague suggestions about how you can make all this money in real estate and vague bragging sessions about how he has been around so long and wants to give you all his knowledge before he croaks (paraphrased) Someday I will be completely immune to the crooks attempts at separating me from my hard earned money.

Focusing on building knowledge, credit, and some capital is key.

I think I'll start out where I live and probably branch out outnof state once I build my knowledge and experience. 

You will not only achieve a status upgrade in the market of RE investing, you are given the opportunity to have the knowledge to back it up.