Good luck and keep taking action daily!!

We had received an Email from homesearch on the 9/24 (same day action ended) stating we were the highest bidder but did not meet reserve.

With a little bit of education and some of @Brandon Turner's "take action" pills, you'll be on your way quickly.If out of state investing is what you're targeting then I would probably go with a Turnkey provider to start. 

I've found you can get the best deals because most aren't buying, people are willing to come down on price and banks want energy consuming houses on their books.

Your apparent lack of this understanding suggests more learning would be your best course of action before investing.

I agree that the best course of action is to find an experienced local partner.

You seem to be taking action and that's awesome!

I know desperation is never a good reason to find a tenant, but several other REI actions hinge upon us getting this home rented. 

But also get out there and take action.

The key is not only to build your rankings up (which is time consuming, but not impossible like some have said).