Correct - Track all your income and expenses.The bookkeeping will determine whether you are profitable or not.it will also be good to compare from year to year your income / expenses to see what expenses you can potentially try to limit.I.E.

While it's more expensive than Ohio, it's still cheaper compared to California.Additionally, consider the practicality of traveling to your investment market.

(Compared to the usual 30-40 year path.) do they think people with a million or millions in stock just got there?

There was a BP member who was quite active for a short duration that presented hi use case for RE not being a good investment compared to other investments especially ially stocks.  

So, you look at what other comparable properties are renting for to decide when to raise rent and by how much. 3.

Personally, I'm incredibly ignorant on the subject compared to others, but find it fascinating.

The training as compared to other "guru" programs is not much.

I would factor in time to travel to any market, but AZ is relatively quick compared to the east coast. 

SO many more options and the reduced responsibilites and work loads are under valued until you deal with them.. lol Also when you factor in management fees it can be quite comparable in net proceeds, without the wear and tear on the property and furnishings. 

I've heard Cape Coral in particular is slower than the rest of SWFL, but don't have anything to compare it to right now.