The closest REIA to me is in Dallas.

I always adjust based on the subject property and what the closest comps are doing. 

BP has some great podcast, forums, and information that will help aid you in your journey.

The middle class is also riddled with huge student loans-- they were too "rich" to qualify for financial aid, but too "poor" to afford college in cash.

Manhattan Beach meeting at: http://www.meetup.com/fibisouthbayrealestateinvestmentclub/ and Long Beach meeting at: http://www.meetup.com/forinvestorsbyinvestors/ are the closest ones to us.

Doing something that is comfortable to you is what will help aid in your long-term success. 

we are talking about folks who will drag stuff accross the floor. kids. on kool aid. no joke. if you havent seen a kid hyped on kool aid then you just wont understand.I would like it to be a higher end property but it is just not that type of neighborhood.I was thinking that tiling would be the most durable and at the same time cost efficient as a DIY project. the floors stand up to water traffic, dirt dragging. periodic sealing is all that is needed to keep it water proof.I am not sold on the tiling and I am certainly not looking forward to the labor involved in laying out a floor.not to mention.

At present I'm considering:- Pueblo, Colorado- Garfield Heights & Maple Heights, Ohio- Montgomery & Huntsville, AlabamaThe reasons for these are that property is still fairly cheap (homes can be bought for under $60k) and returns seem to be around 15-20% gross depending on the home / market.I live in Colorado so Pueblo is the closest market to me but some of the above have even better returns.

For newbies in general, having that visual aide quite often clears everything up.

Then, call as many banks/credit unions as you possibly can and see who can get you closest to those terms.