My question: Is it weird or rude for me to go to open houses just to observe?

It's another thing entirely to spend time with someone where you can observe, ask questions, get guidance and advice.

@Chris ClothierAs i have observed memphis market in the last three years. " Turnkey" word has become widely used to let investors think they can make easy money in real estate investing. 

A Cautionary Tale for Newbies and Not-So-NewbiesThis post is intended to share some observations gained from more than a decade as a real estate investor, and to offer some words of caution for those of you who are new to the game and those of you who have been around for a while.

Only a fellow landlord would find this observation as you & I. 

What I have observed in several instances is that people are really not purchasing an investment or a revenue stream.

Then I'd drop in unannounced on the PM to have the termination discussion and talk about whatever was observed at the property.

@Rita Lo I suggest going to a tax and/or foreclosure sale just to watch and observe.

And I, looking again, observed a bannerWhich, as it circled, raced on with such speedIt did not seem ever to want to stop.And there, behind it, marched so long a fileOf people, I would never have believedThat death could have undone so many souls.

Regarding your rents question, you're going to have to find a REALLY good deal around here in order to meet even the 1% rule, in my observation.