I have had several cases where I finally got cops or government officials to only do their job after being very loud to the newspapers, but it does work.  

Beyond legal requirements, I’d love to hear about any practical advice for managing properties, finding good tenants, and avoiding common pitfalls.

Here are some additional comments to add - please be sure to read the last comment regarding making contributions to both an IRA and 401k.Can I set up a SDIRA if I have full-time job?

Huntsville is a fantastic market with strong job growth, a booming tech industry, and steady rental demand.

https://www.biggerpockets.com/...12 Frequently Asked Questions (And Answers) About DSCR Loanshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/...8 More Commonly Asked Questions and Answers to DSCR Loanshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/eight-questions-and-answe...What Documents Do You Need for a DSCR Loan?

I make about 70k a year from my salaried job and my friend makes double that.

I know Deed in Lieu is a common and normal practice.

I work full time at a decent job, but have quickly learned that I needed to make some changes in my families life by securing our financial future. 

The investors that i work with look to theses growing markets of population and jobs to make an investment that both cash flows and will find appreciation.  

It's generic but gets the job done.