@Lillian Pintaro,Birmingham’s a lucrative market—it’s been my stomping ground for nearly 20 years, and you can find some excellent deals if you know what you’re after and dive deep by zip code, neighborhood, and city block.For what it’s worth, we manage 2,000+ units (many for out-of-state investors) mostly in the north and west part of town—so think suburbs outside the city limits like Graysville (35073), Adamsville (35005), Mount Olive (35117), Center Point (35215), and the like.Since you’re also open to the surrounding areas, places like Odenville (to the east) and Tuscaloosa (to the southwest) could be worth checking out.

It’s a little more work to set up, but if you get a solid property manager, it’s not as scary as it sounds.If I were you, I’d keep digging into the Capitol region, NJ, and CT—compare the numbers, and maybe even start building connections with agents or wholesalers in those areas.

Cash flow depends on the down payment, but using a HELOC could keep your cash reserves intact while you get started.Make sure to build a reliable team (property managers, agents, etc.) to help you manage the property while working full-time. 

Quote from @Zara Massoud: Your new PM is correct and the old ones were wrong.The property manager must have your social security or tax ID number on file.

For my POH park I have a hourly PT maintenance manager who keeps our rentals in shape. 

My wheelehouse is long term management of investment properties, but I do have a good relationship with a loca Chattanooga broker who helps investors in the area.

Networking with Canadians who’ve invested in the U.S. and finding good local agents or property managers will also help a lot.

Reqauest a refund from them verbally and in writing and  continue to follow up and  go up the  management  chain if needed . 

This will save you time and effort, as you won’t have to travel long distances to manage different properties or handle tenant issues.For your first investment, I suggest starting with 2-4 unit properties.

My wife continued to be the administrator of record with the state as we added homes to our portfolio and she would assign the house manager as the administrator designee for the home.