There currently appears to be a flow of investors still buying and renovating properties in this area, which seems encouraging.

Best,Rebeccaps - @Scott Trench - thanks for encouraging newbies like me to introduce ourselves on this forum! 

Late payments, property damage, and evictions are avoidable when you have a PM who knows how to find reliable renters.I encourage you to seek out a property management company that emphasizes tenant screening and uses modern tools for verification.

  - Outside of that, I'd encourage you to visit cities you are considering investing, and get on the ground even for a weekend. 

-Julio Thanks for the encouragement!

I would highly encourage paying a GC to walk deals out the gate, have them give a scope of work so you can see what items costs.

The masterminds often encourage students to finance the new-car like entrance fees on a credit card, on the promise of just a single deal covering all the entrance costs. 

We feel this encourages/trains good payment behavior:)We have several MoveIn Specials owners can approve like, free TV, Washer or Dryer (used), etc.Our main goal with MoveIn Specials is to stand out from our competition. - Just lowering the rent really doesn't do that.

These problems have completely evaporated in less than 24 hours.

I would encourage you to do a deeper dig on the financials and take your own skill inventory in making this important wealth impacting decision.