Hey Friends, Bryan Moss here I have been in Lubbock, TX ( west Texas ) now for 9 months.  

@Roy WhiteHere in North Carolina attorneys do contracts because we don't use title companies.Rental companies will also have rental contracts.If you get one online or from a friend, for example, just be sure everything in it is legal in your state.Good luck!

Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bpThe second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

Not exactly sure where I will be after that time period, most likely closer to LA (family, friends, gf, all live in LA) My initial goal was to "house hack" a duplex, but after some looking on redfin/trulia, it seems almost impossible to do with the amount I got preapproved with.

This is the reason why it's not a big topic, since most ppl are using information from a sole user's perspective without too many moving pieces; data providers being on the flip side.  

I like the platform and its user-friendly for both landlord and tenant.

I am an investor friendly contractor in Houston and have been in business since 2009.

I have a friend who said he did the local ria and they did a 50/50 split with him n he loved it.

I have already been able to find several off market opportunities for a few of my friends to get started in this life long journey. 

My friend @Dan Barli is correct that you need to be aware of the fact that these transfers can trigger the due-on-sale clause.