Am I obligated to stay with the first applicant we told we would move forward with?

(homes to stay away from, specific items to consider before bidding).

It depends on how long are you planning on staying there.

All you need to do it look at the Bay Area and tell me what exactly has rent control done to help people stay in their homes?

That way you can use it as a way to market yourself and find other investors to fill in the gaps - NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK - Stay determined and your unwavering focus will allow you to make a way when you feel there is no wayBest of luck!

Can also make a lot more money (than your regular annual leases) on monthly or 3 months at a time (lots of people, who move here need a temporary place to stay AND find it difficult to get one).

Stay organized with an excel spread sheet.

There are days I have to work late, stay all day and the various Navy related duties but like I mentioned earlier would like experience/exposure while helping out/not being a burden.My wife and I have two rental properties and our primary residence so I'm not completely new to the world of real estate but when it comes to investing I'd consider myself a newbie.

Are there any areas you would recommend staying away from or is it more house specific? 

Mass Housing's appraisal process is a lot easier too.If you can stay south of the Mass Pike and out of the Worcester hills, you'll have less snow in the winter.