Quote from @Tove Fox: I live in California and am interested in purchasing my first investment property in an A or B neighborhood in one of the above states, ideally under $300k.

You're totally right—making a schedule with all the important dates on it is very helpful!

Findlay is a real oppotunity beause you’ve got a combination of stable job sources, a decent population size, and often lower acquisition costs compared to bigger metros.About choosing an agent..

If you're planning to rehab properties for rental or flipping, a hard money lender might be the right fit.

The lot size, the pool, and the quiet cul-de-sac location provided great bones, and with the right upgrades and modern touches, it could command a much higher price in the competitive Hamptons market.

• Is it all just customizable based on what works best?

The easiest of all the thing I've been involved in.

You are probably better off going with one that has a branch you can visit and get to know the management.

Though I have purchased some with a mix where 330+ days a year, people parked in the driveway and the street except when there were snow bans, but there was enough room to fit everyone in the driveway/parking lot, and that was a hassle to deal with some days. 

Many will have a disclaimer stating that the information cannot be relied upon and buyers must confirm all information via their own due diligence. 2.