And, many agents that I have dealt with won't do much more than ask you what neighborhoods you like and setup MLS notifications when a property with your criteria comes up.  

Spend time driving for dollars in Tacoma neighborhoods to identify distressed properties.

From what I’ve heard in a piece by Bloomberg, that’s not unusual in many East Coast neighborhoods...

If you can save up for a slightly higher down payment your margin for success will be significantly higher.Also, I strongly agree with the "buy the worst in a great neighborhood, live in the worst unit of the triplex and slowly fix it up yourself."

I like good neighborhoods, with sloped tile roofs, stucco siding, built in the last 20 years. 90% of Las Vegas SMF checks none of these boxes. 

It doesn't matter what your rental income is.Anyone could buy in your neighborhood and make a STR.

They can you you find good neighborhoods, purchase and rent properties.  

Definitely helpful.I got a lawyer who did overcharge me a bit but the tenant left the property spot clean.

The quality of available tenant varies drastically depending on the neighborhood.

Here are a few things that I like about the neighborhoods in Indy compared to other states: high rent-to-home-value ratio, consistent and gradual city development, relatively low property tax and insurance cost, affordable renovation service cost.