It's always good to see people getting involved in REI up in our neck of the woods.If I had time, I could probably write 10 pages on the questions you ask here, but will try to give a very brief overview without getting lost in the weeds.As you probably imagine, Logan is the most desirable area for rental properties because of the perceived notion that the University provides an endless tenant pool.  

I live in California but am planning on investing in RE in this neck of the woods.

If not, look for a similar company in your neck of the woods.

Like Alex mentioned the meetup this week is in your neck of the woods. 

You're in my neck of the woods!

@John Thedford, As you know lot's are like pimples on a 14 year old in our neck of the woods.  

It's a pain in the neck to read, and to google all the "notwithstandings" and other legal mumbo jumbo, but it gave me a really solid understanding of what my rights are as a land-lord. 

In your shoes I would go for property #3 and perhaps hold in reserves the down payment on property #4.It doesn't look like a good time to be stretching your neck out. 

I'm also buying some in your neck of the woods in Jackson County. 

They wouldn't be putting their neck on the line and they know the risks.