There are many different venues, and you really must determine from the outset exactly which way you want to go, then concentrate on learning/making connections/running your numbers for that one specific strategy. 

So - I'm wondering if any of you can weigh in on the benefits of being in many different areas vs the benefits of being more concentrated in fewer ones.  

My name is Chris McCall and I am a fairly new buy and hold investor concentrating on multifamily properties.  

Keep looking for lenders and JV partners, but I would concentrate on techniques that will be likely to happen.You won't want to hear this, I didn't when I was your age, but you sound quite young and by your own admission you're inexperienced....no crime there and I applaud the initiative you display.....but  I think hard money will be very tough for you.  

What are the issues she is having trouble resolving.If she wants things fixed that is what she needs to concentrate on.

Just concentrate on the bigger cities that have over 50,000 people and have a bunch of different companies.  

We concentrate on Class c homes in a hot small town market.  

Those that support the following goal: "Strategically concentrating on specific NC neighborhoods, purchasing homes, rehabbing to "responsibly Rent", revitalizing those neighborhoods and later selling the homes for a profit.

I have specialized in land and new construction but plan to concentrate on investment real estate going forward. 

There is a concentrated area of very poor neighborhoods on the east side of 75 and loop 12.. sounds like that could be where you are looking.