There is nothing better than trial by fire and 3 years later I couldn't be happier I bought the duplex instead of the new car.I am now in another financial position to evaluate another purchase in the very active Minneapolis market.

I owe 170k on the place and couldn't be happier if it was insured for 300k and I received a check for that much in case everything went well.

I would say- you look on craigs list (hmmmmm) or get a couple of people by word of mouth. 

That will quickly ruin your relationship with that company and possibly others just from word of mouth.

I will live there the first year and then looking at renting, but the deal wasn't great, my realtor seems now to have been a very poor choice for looking at investment potential...would love advice on how to find a good realtor as I have a very sour taste in my mouth after this 'investment' that I think will break even in the end, but the whole process was very frustrating as it is also my first time buying a house (my husband bought the last one...I just looked at pictures and said it looked nice, lol)

I have one guy that a lot of times he is dirt cheap, and then all of a sudden he shows up and BOOM  crazy money comes out of his mouth...

Most small towns are starving for nice rentals and I usually have a waiting list via word of mouth. 

I prefer you send me contacts of contractors you worked with in the past and not just word-of-mouth.

Couldn't be more happier with that decision!

Word of mouth?