You're always free to visit the property, tour the areas, and meet the team involved, but that's your option as there are tools and people to help you.In addition, at lease for us, we have systematically laid out a step-by-step process similar to a road map that you can use as a checklist to make sure you don't skip anything -- this includes due diligence on the market, the property, and the property manager.Concern: "I get nervous about essentially trusting a company and then a property management company."

Right now I'm calling people out of the phone book, I would just like a concrete road map when I speak to them.

Thanks for answering the question & giving us the roadmap.

Thank you @John Blackman and @Bryan Hancock  for sharing your roadmap from start to finish!

With that defined, one can lay out a road-map to get there.I think it is helpful to separate REI activities into two categories; those that generate a one-time cash payment quickly with a lot of work on our part like wholesaling and flipping, and those that generate passive recurring revenue like rentals and notes. 

I appreciate the road map.

You just gave me a very clear roadmap to navigate ALL THIS INFO on BP.

I commend you for thinking forward but caution you in following Arlan's road-map too closely too fast.

Then look at what investments you can get qualified for and put out a road map to eventually retiring from your job and living off your investments full time and watch them grow larger and larger each year.Even if you make great income you might not be able to retire right away today.

I am curious to know if you, as a newbie, need more information on real estate investing techniques to be successful or do you feel a specific road map to follow would be more helpful?