I wouldn't say you're going to learn as much going through an online course as you would an in-person one, but it is a lot more convenient. 

I have 5 rentals in TN and all of them have trees around them (just like most of TN).I happened to cut 2 trees last year that seemed to me too big and one of them was leaning into the house.

Based on personal experience, I would add assuring the lender is specifically authorized to perform an on-sight property inspection, at the lender's discretion / convenience. 

I can do that/have someone do that at my convenience.

Also I am trying to hold onto it for the next 10 yrs at lease so if the 54321 offers me the lowest rate I would lean towards it.

Columbus, Ohio is a great market to consider if you're leaning towards appreciation.

It is in an enclosed gate area that can only be opened from inside the fence so I'm leaning away from using it as storage space while I have other guests staying there.

Or are you leaning more on referrals, open houses, or local events?

@Val BerechetAs much as I think it’s disingenuous for the international media to focus on any incident in Mexico they can get their hands on while conveniently ignoring to report identical if not worse crime in their own backyard, I don’t really mind after all.Indeed, it makes people aware of the problem (in case they’re not) and, most importantly, It forces the Mexican authorities to act promptly and preventatively (which they normally always end up to do) and everybody is better off because of that.

Sellers are absolutely predatory towards buyers whether the buyer is an end buyer, landlord, flipper or wholesaler and they will gladly sell you their home for more than it's worth while conveniently forgetting to tell you about any issues the property has.