My original goal was to buy a rent-ready duplex and house hack, but based on my pre-approval and what I’ve seen, most multi-family properties in my range need renovations. 

Hey Kenneth - I've never used Zenbusiness but I do in North Dakota we go directly to the state website and open up a "Foreign LLC" whenever we're buying and doing business in other states with properties. 

This could work well if you’re looking for steady monthly returns and don’t mind managing tenants (or hiring a property manager).Selling could also make sense if you’d rather use the $500,000 to diversify into other investments, like buying multiple properties or even a short-term rental on the lake as you mentioned.

If youre trying to buy an outright investment property, you cannot use an FHA loan. 

Hi: Carsyn, I'm in Oklahoma, curious to know what your platforms buy box is for SFR.

If you want to manage your own properties, I would highly recommend buying within an hour of your primary.

DM me your email and I can connect you with the organizer.The group discusses buy & hold real estate, both single family and apartments. 

It specifically says it is not for real estate investment, but I believe you would be buying an operating business vs just real estate.This is so helpful Michael, thanks so much!  

Hi Jonathan, what is your buying criteria in GA and what counties are you looking to purchase in?

Don't buy in the hood.