Maybe a family member or close friend?

@Brett Coultas if you're a newbie, you want to be careful of an "investor friendly" agent selling you something they truly don't understand:(95+% of agents only know how to handle owner-occupied transactions - you can verify this by asking them calculate ROI for you or Cash-On-Cash!

I think one of the biggest analysis paralysis thoughts is on landlord- or tenant-friendly areas.

Rodrigues' recommendation may change this), but my next question would be, are there any cities/markets where 1 of the following are true: 1) You have family/friends that live there, 2) You travel there frequently (either for vacation, work, etc.), or 3) Somewhere else you've lived before AND know the area well?

My suggestion would be to get an investor friendly agent who knows a few local markets and have them guide you in the right direction.

I have a couple of friends who have several rental units in Gettysburg and said the rents are good and he has many professionals who stay for a good amount of time and pay on time.  

I plan on getting a property every year until I retire if I can find a good deal that cash flows positively.I have a very close friend whose stationed in Columbus GA whose a real estate investor and owns rentals there!

100% for 6 months is a lot of money.c) I and friends have quite a few Real Estate contacts in California.

Quote from @Dan Huang: @Tyler Sweet I am a firm believer in the disruptive value of blockchain technology and decentralization, and a crypto-friendly realtor in Las Vegas. 

I stayed in touch with all of my investors who bought off of me to see how well they did and my biggest joy was when they returned to buy more or told their friends about me and what I do!