If you use some of those fields to get your foot in the door, then you will naturally learn the investing side of the business and can pursue that as well and be more informed doing so. 

It doesn't really help that I naturally distrust anyone and everyone who is selling something.

I know many investors (myself included) use self direct IRA capital to invest in a passive nature and earn gains in a tax sheltered environment. 

I'm a detailed guy by nature but my goal would be to systemetize once I find a dependable contractor who I can use multiple times.

Electric and natural gas service may not be discontinued while you are in possession of your unit.

Did you know that in order for a 3bd to be considered a legal bd in Baltimore city, it has to have natural sunlight/ an egress window, and a closet?

This is a natural outgrowth of No. 1: you have to pick properties with solid fundamentals.

Given the sometimes-volatile nature of the real estate world, you will be ahead of the game if you plan for change.Be Specific with Action PlansDo not confuse lofty goals and wish lists with a business plan.

I believe that the natural gas for the hot water heaters and gas ranges are separately metered also.Here is the interesting part: The owner chooses to pay all utilities costing him upwards of $17k annually.

Originally posted by @Nicholas Andrews:@Jay Hinrichs I guess it’s also important to try and build relationships with people in areas you are investing and have some “boots on the ground” per say. the issue with low value assets in the US  you can have an army full of peeps but if your renter does not pay or trashs your house all your boots are going to do is tell you how much U lost and how much its going to cost to fix.if your out of country.. just look a the median income for any MSA  like Indy is 130k buy at that or a little above that will give you decent schools and decent renters.. there are plenty of 30 to 50k houses there .. just google the Morris invest threads on this site and see how that worked out.. cant caution you enough that low end tenants in the US  are super fragile financially and very transient in nature and the areas these homes are in are crime ridden and terrible schools. why would you invest there.