If so, they can sell within 2 years and not pay capital gains taxes on the sell of the home.They could take that money and buy multiple rental homes in other areas if they wanted, or use the money to downsize in to a different home while still having money left over.

I often require a different security deposit.

(a) Is it okay to be looking at 3 different areas VA, MD, WV?

Hey BP,Looking for some great websites to use to gather information on different markets, especially OOS investing...One of my personal favorites is "City-data.com", which was also suggested to me by a fellow BP investor!

When it comes to building a team, having a strong property manager and real estate agent who really know the OKC market can make a huge difference, especially if you’re out of state.

I agree with Colin ^ as each department is different. 

I have done quite a few different things, one of the best to find out who is doing the most volume is go onto good and search for the "we buy houses companies" in the area you are looking to invest.

Fairfax county virginia is very different than Montgomery county maryland even though they are right next door to each other and most do business in both. 

But you're talking about keeping it yourself, which is a different analysis.

Of course I have a different mortage than you will.