Some states are easier than others; however, it is important to understand the process and laws of owning properties in another foreign state.

Without that you can be sued personally for any issue within it on your str.Its much harder for people to pierce the corporate vail and sue you personally if your property is owned and managed in a LLC .Financing is one of the only drawbacks as it is a commercial process and banks usually like to see 3 years of a decent tax return.We have 19 properties and all are in an LLC and in fact we only hold 2-4 properties in each LLC (all are owned by one parent company and done in one flow through parent company)to even further shield the liability that may/can occur on a property.There is no doubt you are exposed to higher risk on many fronts if an investment property is held personally.

Are there brokerage services who guide first timers through the process?

We have a tenant in process- my property manager is telling me that he uses Turbo Tax and the lease he generates only requires his signature and the tenants.

Talk to your tax professional and adjust your structure as needed. 

Work with an experienced real estate agent who can find you suitable properties and guide you through the process.

At what stage did you buy: in-process rehab or one that had completed rehab and was leased?

I would appreciate any advice on the vetting processes you used to help find the right person to start your journey with.

Can someone please explain the process or is there any resource to learn about this peocess?

I just wanted to get a sense of installation cost and permitting process for in ground, semi, or above ground.