We would like to discuss their procedures and possibility of providing backup services for our property manager.

We often travel for a month or 2 at a time as I can easily manage my operations from wherever I may beMy recommendation is to get to a point of financial security along with no to little debt and then find something that interests you that may or may not be income producing.

Refer to Rules #1 and 2.The time and effort to codify procedures should be completed before the lease is presented to the tenant to sign.

I think 10K/acre might be a little too strong for farm land that isn't producing a crop, unless there are some factors not mentioned above.

I learned the importance of following procedure early on, and have seen that getting away from that can lead to bad things happening.I was in the Air Force for most of my career and went through flight training.

In the past 3 years, I have been blessed to accumulate a small portfolio of multi-family properties (3 duplexes) and 1 single family town home that has produced me consistent cash flow in excess of my lifestyle expenses.

They are not difficult to work with as long as you don't try to make them change their procedures to fit your lack of experience.You missed the boat by a few years if you are wanting to specialize in short sales.

As for what's better/worse, as an investment that produces income your goals should almost always be:1.

Because it is fixed up, looking shiny and producing some cash flow, it will hopefully be worth more. 

Hi Adam,Globally speaking: How many houses have you prepped and rented in Cleveland to Clevelanders vs how many have they.You hired and are paying for their expertise as well as their labor.You may think they are railroading your money (maybe they are--it happens), but other PM's in here in that market seem to think what's bugging you is SOP (Standard Operating Procedure).This business requires unforeseen cash outlays from time to time--sometimes way in excess of $550--like a new roof that blew off in a storm.Maybe, make more calls and talk more to the manager to keep a heads up on whats happening (at least at first) when you are bringing the unit online.Did you ask the manager on the phone, where in the contract it allows them to bill out the over $550 (???)