Once you identify a realtor you want to use make sure you have a long conversation with them to break down exactly what you are looking for in your first REI.My advice is do lots of research on every property and make sure you identify its current market for both rents and value. 

From there we identify properties that could have some potential and if you are interesting in diving deeper, 1) we do a thorough video walkthrough to give you a realistic look of the property, 2) we give a ballpark estimate of rehab costs (we do 40 a year with our GCs o we will get pretty close), 3) we talk through market rent with our property management team, ARV, and potential highest and best use.Ideally you find great investor agents who know their market really well and have a network of resources to provide you with enough confidence to take reasonable action. 

Market Demand: Buyers love move-in-ready homes, and flips are often the most attractive properties on the market.

Seems like the new on line marketing methods  Section 8 is the new shinny object..

Here’s why Oklahoma might be a great market for you:Affordability: Properties in OKC and Tulsa are often under $200K and offer strong rent-to-price ratios.Landlord-Friendly: Simple tenant laws make managing rentals easier.Growing Economy: Job growth in energy, tech, and aerospace fuels rental demand.How to Evaluate Deals:Run the Numbers: Ensure positive cash flow, check cap rates (6–10%), and use tools like the BiggerPockets calculators.Find Deals: Network with local wholesalers or agents, and look for value-add opportunities in stable neighborhoods like Edmond (OKC) or Broken Arrow (Tulsa).Let me know if you’d like tips on analyzing properties or finding deals!

Don’t forget. 2024 rent cap was 8.9% so you may never get “market rent”.

In many ways, this is the best market for buyers in Austin in years.

- Will they search for off-market properties for you?

In the unfortunate event someone passes away and the property transfers via probate or a will, that fair market price gets "stepped up" so no taxes are paid.I would check with a CPA, but this is my understanding.

You could put most of your funds in the stock market and access them when needed for a HML.