. , the other thing I often do when I'm starting to evaluate a new market, I subscribe to the local newspaper or the local business journal and doesn't cost that much, usually $5 to $10 a month.

Find and join a local REI or land lord Association and attend meetings to get local perspectives on markets, LL/tenant laws and experiences etc.Hang out here and search threads that may be relevant to you and your desires/needs.Decide on your objectives from investing, taking into account your resources from financial and time perspectives.

Hi Victor, You should talk to a local lender about a bank statement loan program.

So sometimes if I have to spend a few hundred bucks to have the architect draw out the details to help the tradesman later down the road, I will. 2.) local municipalities fees.

They should be able to point you in the direction of someone local and have an idea of what the cost is.

I'm not sure if I am going to start local (since the market is so high here) or if I am going to go OOS.

This is due to interest rates, more and more investors, retail prices, etc.

Very rarely will a bank bid on a tax foreclosure, if it happens it's usually small local banks who would rather have the county do the foreclosure instead of them.  

For the rentals, we always have a local "on call" relationship with a local investor to assist when needed.

It has been recommended to attend a local meetup, but what do I say?