@Charlie FitzgeraldPaying a lender off in full once you decide you no longer want to do what you said you would do is what you are supposed to do.Incidentally my first nomadic owner occupant flip, I tried to call it an investment property because that seemed like the box it intuitively best fit into (I still feel that this makes the most sense at a 'common sense' level).

Annette in my opinion it boils down to security and risk and your comfort level in those two areas. 

It would look similar to the house below, but on grade level.

You can do this by interviewing them to determine their track record and level of expertise.

Too many investors chasing too few properties and bidding up prices to levels where there's no money to be made.

It was listed as an online auction with a low starting price.  1,320 sqft split level (4 levels).  4 bedrooms, 3 baths, formal living room, family room, unfinished basement, 2 car garage, and a fireplace.  

What is your personal knowledge and skill level? 

As a landlord you are able to obtain credit reports, nationwide criminal, nationwide eviction, along with a bunch of other reports (sex offender, county level criminal, etc).  

Several markets are reaching peak levels and may not be good for a retail flip when they suddenly become buyers markets.

It depends on your risk level and the assets you already have.