If no other debts to pay off, I'd seek diversity in liquid debt mutual funds like BDCs. 

Milwaukee County is a very diverse market!

There's something special about being offered small local items. 

Additionally, what do you look for in a property to increase the value i.e. what are typical items to target?

Hi @Sam M.there are great answers on this post but I want to clarify something.In a real estate transaction most of the items are negotiable.

Some may have very small thresholds for repair holdbacks on purchases but this is typically limited to make ready items not to exceed $2,500 in costs to cure.

Britt, I've had coin operated washers and dryers in my rental complex for 8 years and they are very easy to cheat the mechanism with a common household item.

What other items should I look for or know about the farming process before getting started?

Tenants should pay for that.My lease considered normal to be a few items hung using 1" nails or smaller.

The property has to be considered 'in service' for you to list it on your tax return.In service entails a couple of items such as1) The property is in livable condition - Working bathroom, kitchen and an area to live.2) The property was advertised for rent.Best of luck