To remedy that, the carpets should be ripped up and sealant applied to the subfloor, at minimum.There are also tiles in the smaller upstairs bathroom that are lifting up and creating a safety hazard; putting a rug on top is not a sufficient solution.The house is in a condition that materially interferes with the health of household members.

There's obviously quite a bit of diligence that comes after such as who the key principles are and their credentials/track record (both balance sheet and experience), the underlying real estate and thesis behind the investment & tax prep and audit procedures but as a general rule of thumb if the investor can't get past the first part which is understanding what they are investing in, passive investing is probably not for that individual. 

I currently work with investors in a few markets in TX and outside of TX on creating a turn-key portfolio and helping them manage on the back end. 

*This post does not create an attorney-client or CPA-client relationship. 

With a 9-5 job too busy to catch a breather, being that it will be my first rental property would you recommend finding a property management company to oversee the investment property OR create a profile on a property management platform, I am thinking about Avail unless there is a better platform, to collect rent and hire specialist as issues arise from tenants?

It's not just about creating beautiful spaces; it's about making every square foot work hard for both the investor and the end-user.Optimizing Space UtilizationThink about how reconfiguring a floor plan can add value.

I am leaning on local first for my next investment, but not ruling out an out-of-market opportunity. 

Also, check state-specific tax laws, as some states impose additional transfer taxes.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

Not exactly sure what Safeguard does but if they are originating notes for owner occupied properties then they need to follow the Dodd Frank rules and anyone buying such notes should make sure they did.  

Private lenders or even creating a small syndicate with a group of investors might also be worth exploring, especially since you can point to your uncle’s track record and your own experience managing rentals as a selling point.If timing is tight, you could look into a bridge loan to secure the property while figuring out a more permanent solution.