At the same time, I'm hoping to start investing via a small multifamily building somewhere within a reasonable drive of that area (looking as far as Philadelphia area but ideally closer). 

I live in the Westchester NY area which I realize may not be ideal for my first investment especially with only $30,000 but I am interested to see if anyone may have some ideas of how and where to get started in this exciting journey.

Translation is: competent but cheap.I think the most common "ideal" attorney is someone who iscompetent in everything RE-relatedavailable 24/7, directly and not via staffprovides inexpensive as-needed servicesprovides free advice in between engagementsdelivers all commitments on time, including last-minute emergency requestsThis is not my personal list - it is an observation of what my clients seem to want.

Just remember, as rentals, you want to renovate with sturdy, good-looking materials.

Remember to read all the notes that are found in the plan to make sure you are flagging everything.

However remember many states have more restrictive laws than the federal law, so many states do not recognize the Mrs Murphy exemption.

I have been doing the A B C in my purchase contracts for longer than I can remember.. starting in the late 70s  .A  CashB  cash and seller financeC  cash and 3rd party loan.D  Sub too.. but for me I would not buy sub too unless it had substantial equity I always wanted room in the deal no matter how I bought it.. 

In an ideal world all the SFH 's would sell in 1 week , and when you arrive in Texas , there would be someone at the airport waving a sign " Apt for sale 20 units "      For all that to fall together will be real difficult 

Hey guys- not sure this is the ideal forum for this- but was the best I could think of.Due Monday is a proposal for the budget/rehab plan for a 5plex I am buying. 

If I remember correctly it was about $5000 on our home which we purchased for $280,000.I was required to provide documentation showing that I would be employed for at least the next year when I applied for the loan.