When realtors who also want to be creative financing gurus start giving awful advice.

I feel the investor is off to a great start.

I'm starting to see more private note holders reach out to get a loan against the performing note they hold. 

First, is it required by law for a buyer to sign a buyer's agreement before they start touring homes?

Depending on your states statutes and because they are on a month to month, give the proper notification that xxxx change will take affect starting 30,60,90 days from now. 

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

I currently live in the Bay Area, but I’ve decided to start investing in the Jackson County/MO area.

I think everyone's situation is different, and when one crafts their buy box, they need to consider their current family and finances.For me, when I started, I wanted to buy 2-4 unit distressed properties in neighborhoods I wanted to live. 

I would definitely start off renting most units as LTR and slowly renovate and furnish units to do MTR, having a mix of both. 

I remember when Lending Home, now Kiavi started, there really wasn't anyone other than banks and private individuals that would finance a new build...and those were hard to find.