Typically I recommend that people get very clear on your vision for not only what you want to do but the exact markets you want to do projects in and narrow your focus to those.

A good tenant is more than just a rent check—they should respect your property, your rules, and the people around them.

Quote from @Gregory Wilson: A few things there, Brendan.First, an LLC with you as a member and your (wife, son, pal, etc.) partner as a 1% member will file a Form 1065 which is about one tenth as likely to be audited by the IRS as a Form 1040 with a Schedule E rental activity (which I presume you will attempt to show is an active business).Second, you want an LLC because when your local Alabama handyman drives his girlfriend's uninsured truck into a van load of U of A medical school interns on I-22 when he goes  to get some shingles for your roof, on your business, you don't lose everything you have or ever will have to an uninsured claim. 

Sights are set on all types of REI, but this will be a great start for us.I have been in the mortgage business for over 20 years.

Hopefully I will have success connecting with people in Chicago and via BP. 

I use this property and another one as my business line of credit. 

Lenders, Investors, Hard Money, Partners will focus on experience and risk, so bringing value by finding great deals or managing renovations, can help you break in.Keep refining your approach and connecting with the right people!

I think the future is bright for the area, many young people are moving out of the city, and Kingston is the getaway to the beautiful Catskill area.let me know if you need any help.

A lot of people watch the TV shows and think it is easy money ... most of us learned the hard and expensive way.Good luck in your journey ... wish you were closer to help!

Anything you do remote will come at a cost of operational inefficiencies and a higher cost of doing business.