We have enough saved up for a down payment on an investment property now, but I'd like to make sure I have a solid plan and have found a great deal before pulling the trigger on anything.I know the market here in Raleigh is crazy, so I'm considering things like direct mail marketing to try and find good deals.

If you've got a solid company that's giving a good yield, history of paying dividends, solid growth history, and you know you are going to hold it for 20-30 years, it's a good potential.

GA BP:I Guess this would be some kind of seller financing/creative financing and need solid advice.

Get the a solid rated insurance company.  

Hire an engineer to help you draft specifications and a create a solid contract that dictates pay apps.  

Looks like a fairly solid deal in my opinion.

You can have solid walls for foundations but they have to be designed for flood impact per FEMA.  

I am in the camp I do not trust management companies they fall short of my standards .I say make it a full time job your name will become known as a solid owner of properties one result will be longer leases .More time to keep adding to your portfolio too.

You can find some pretty solid numbers floating around. 

You will find a great deal of solid information on wholesaling on this site.