Ideally, I’d like a pre-screening step between an indication of interest and showing them the property.  

First things first though, I will have to take baby steps before talking to realtors.

There is no purchase, or any steps towards a purchase until the Option in the Option Consideration is exercised.

This is just my initial thought though.

One step at a time though. 

Initially I just thought real estate investing was something interesting to muse about if I ever win the lottery or get laid off; I didn't think it was possible to learn enough about about where to get started and how to avoid the pitfalls while keeping up with the 24/7ish demands of my work and family.  

I do understand the warnings as stated above, but in my personal situation, if they stepped out of line about doing something wrong, or rent was pushing almost late, we told them the rules and how it will be right away and put a stop to it.

So then regulation steps in an doesn’t allow a free market to set rental rates.

I know one is fine with 5 year term with balloon payment of the initial principal at the end of that. 

Awesome,Thank you Ed and Jay.Functionally speaking, the #1 service I could give to investors is on the HVAC side.As far as first steps go: 1.