You will pay the fee associated with the brokerage you choose; so choose wisely if you haven't already.  

As a million $ producer back when the "dinosaurs roamed" (the eighties), I gave her an insider's view:  it's a "people & relationship" business where consistent hard work earns trust to be successful; we're both good with math and family budgets; and we could do this wisely by using BP and investors we've met at REI, who have encouraged and are willing to mentor us, if necessary. 

Some locations I’ve considered are Indianapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, Charlotte, and Baltimore, because they appear to be better suited price-wise for someone just getting into the game, and their rental markets seem stable and profitable.I’ll be in the US for about 4 weeks from the end of May to the middle of June, and in that time I hope to visit at least one potential location to meet with brokers, and try and establish a working relationship with an accountant and lawyer, and other investors.

I think numbers wise the only difference from your scenario is paying the mortgage payment, that could be anywhere from $500 to $1,000 or more depending on when they bought, at what price and interest rate etc.

I think it's wise to make this a month (or more) unless your GC is doing these sorts of projects that quickly all the time.  

Bringing on a partner for your first deal may be a wise strategic move.

People tend to be more eager to help if they can see your face.Next, if you haven't already, I suggest you start at the beginning by taking a look at the Start Here page: http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereThen make sure to take the wise advice of @Larry Fried and read through the BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide Once you are done with those, the BiggerPockets Podcast is another great way to build your real estate knowledge while doing every day activitiesFinally, use the forums!

If your SFR investments have appreciate 100% from its purchase price, would a trade to higher yield income properties be a wise move?

The only way to get that kind of savings is outside so I'm hoping to take advantage of the water wise rebates they have going on which have doubled this year.I have to believe utilities will be pretty strict eventually on this, especially since the water wholesaler is basically saying they are cutting distribution. 

Originally posted by @James Wise:@Jose RubioI believe you may be a little confused as to what a short sale is.A short sale is when the bank agrees to let the seller sell the home for less than what they owe the bank.