Hey All,After hours of research, reading and using BP Forums to ask and read questions and answers, I (think) I have decided where I would like to focus in regards to purchasing my first Rental property.Before I would submit any offers, I want to give myself the adequate time to go check out these neighborhoods, talk to residents and check out their local economies and shops In order to ensure I am happy with my choices before proceeding.As I prepare to go to these different communities (looking in the CT area), I was wondering if anybody who has done similar trips (I am assuming its pretty standard practice, unless the property is far away).

.#2 - If the contractor installed a new electrical box horizontally instead of vertically, they had better have a reason for that, which maybe there was a reason but if not, they should fix that free of charge, because boxes are always installed vertically, unless that's not possible or if the design is atypical - it's not contractors choice on that score.#3 - As far as the toe kick...OMG...it's toe kick.

Keeping one's word is important, to a point (when the whole economic picture changes, re-evaluating your choices is something most people can understand).

So I think a  lot of folks coming to the area are coming because 1) they can drive there and 2) their first choice vacation got cancelled and I think a lot know there are bargains to be had right now.  

What's important is what has happened from there.Your inspection contingency gives you room to make a choice at that point.

It will be very hard to find a manger for this unless it's a student property, and even that will have limited choices.

I've found old garages are more of a liability than a good investment in the lower rent areas unless you get lucky and get one that isn't falling over - it will cost more to bring them back to life or replace them than it will ever bring back in rent and therefore, the best choice is to remove them and spend the money on a new parking slab - obviously a property that already has that done is a plus (people use them as storage lockers too, then leave it all for you to clean when they skip out later).

@Suzette Kim - In addition to what Ellis wrote, I'll add the following: if you KNEW for sure you'd be out within about 6 years, the ARM would likely be the better choice.

II think airbnb has no choice they have to follow what the hotels and airlines are doing right now. 

Best to shop around as others have said, look for a bank that prefers commercial landing vs traditional  retail in my opinion is a better long term choice.