Depending on your experience level though it might make sense to flip 2-3 houses first to understand how to deal with contractors, lawyers, lenders, agents, etc when the stakes are lower.Even though apartments are commercial properties, getting some of the basics under your belt will result in 2 key benefits:You will have a good idea of estimates for normal repairs to the units and can better understand what properties will take once you purchase them to bring them up to your desired standard for the area.Your potential investors might have more faith in your performance if you have some other investing experience under your belt - might even want to consider getting 1-2 rentals to help with this "resume building" if you are going for a number of investors that may not have personal knowledge of your capabilities. .

Real estate investment has been a huge driver behind the housing recovery, at least according to RealtyTrac.

Your area is a top emerging market.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereCheck out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.

Investing here it's key to be able to move quickly.

Statistically, mutual funds are usually unable to consistently outperform when you take into account things like fees and key benchmarks that they should achieve.

ex) We sold a property to buyer X turn-key for $25k.

The key is in saving early on and reinvesting heavily over the long haul.

I had previous told them I will meet them on the evening of Jan 3 to give them the keys.

Consider Lowell as an opportunity.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereCheck out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.

Most of my turn key guys that tried rental Guarantees and maintenance ended up not liking it.