Just as a tip, if you don't get some of the responses you're looking for from your post and if you ever think about upgrading your account, with a pro account (and maybe the plus as well, not sure), you can search and connect with others in the BP community based on location like zip code or by proximity to where you are.

Any information, tips, and/or suggestions you may have regarding how to get "my feet off the ground and running" for lack of a better term, would be greatly appreciated. 

A great local agent and fellow investor who also helped me a lot is  @Paul Leason.There were also a handful of other Grand Rapids investors from BP who were extremely helpful with tips and advice.

Does anyone have any tips on  how to best farm an area from a distance?

Thanks for any tips or advice.

I am still tip toeing with crowdfunding.

That said, with the limited information you've given, there is still probably some meat on the bone.I can't do accurate math for you because a lot of it is very case by case, but major expenditures you should add in are vacancy, roof, HVAC, property management, and any concessions you give tenants such as free water, cable, yard maintenance, etc.

Thought I'd give a tip to people looking for a PM.If you can't get a rec here (or even if you can!)

For instance, I can eat out with my wife for under 7$ a person at a sit down dinner..that includes $2 for tip.

As a real estate investor, can any of you offer any helpful tips or suggestions as to what direction to possibly move forward in?