Having some cash aside is nice, but being ready on the investment opportunity is key. 

As a result it's often a rather time consuming process for me to type up a response to someone's forum post...and as you said we're all busy and I sadly just don't make my time on BP as much of a priority as maybe I should.Thing brings me to my third point...the majority of the threads where I do comment, are around the key words that I follow.

I told the property manager to offer 350 for cash for keys if he was out by Friday, as a manager he had never heard of something like this and after a little resistance and me explaining the number difference he agreed. 

The key here is finding an agent that works with investors.

We now have a lock box with a key inside attached to the gas meter, just in case the batteries fail.

From what I’m learning, a dependable contractor is key.

Does anyone know of some good turnkey providers for somebody starting fresh  in buy and hold real estate?

Good inspections will also be key.  

I think you need to look very, very carefully at the local job market and the key employers as well as growth and new construction inventory. 

That’s the key.