They have close family in the area they invest, perhaps even living in the investment property itself like their child who is a college student and rents other rooms in the house to friends, or their sibling or parent.

Always start with investor investor-friendly agent.

Prioritize quality locations.Keep healthy amount of reserves per property, hire a PM, and hire a tax friendly CPA(not planning just prep). 

I'd have to look) days before they have to pay and rescreen again. 3) I will keep shouting this from the rooftops: written policies are your friend.

I find AirBNB from a host stand point much more user friendly & advanced.

Does anyone know a well priced investor friendly property inspector in Calgary?

I was in the middle of connecting with folks that biggerpockets found I was also friends with on Facebook.

I've been advised to hold each property in an LLC, however I've also been advised that insurance on properties held in LLCs is more expensive and harder to get.I have another friend whose properties are help in a trust.

And I would live in the property and rent the other rooms to my soccer friends.

With my own portfolio I generally underwrite with 10% for repairs, 10% for cap ex, 5 percent for vacancy.