Explore my personal favorites, Set For Life by Scott Trench or The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, for invaluable financial insights.3.

Any insights, personal experiences, or advice would be greatly appreciated!

@Ryan Raven most states don't care if you screw up the management of real estate you own personally.The government does have a problem with an unlicensed person/company screwing up the management of properties they do not own.

Unfortunately, not many around like that...The appraisal is about $150-$200 higher than standard cost because they likely went through an appraisal management company ("AMC") to get the appraisal ordered/assigned.

Personally, I'm waiting for the lawsuit by a seller against his own broker for refusing to vet a potential buyer and then show to a qualified buyer.

Are you referring to personal losses or other people had losses?

@Thomas FarrellRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

Meet in person.

If the trust is disregarded and you and your wife file a joint tax return the property is reported on your personal joint return. 

I've only had one person look at my home.