Fortunately I do not have any horror stories and have not had any issues with the HOAs, they've all well managed.However, if you are new to RE investing I would not recommend starting off with condos.

I currently work full-time at a Fortune 50 company but am ready for a change.  

I know I can get a better deal (or maybe 2-3 cheaper ones) farther out am also a little nervous about buying my 1st property far from home.I am fortunate enough to have a decent job and can probably secure a similar down payment in a year from now but just want to make sure I start on the right path.Thanks for your help

Do you know anything about Jason and Global Fortune Solutions?

Learnt the hard way..In the long run you will be spending a fortune to make the property look presentable..Properties that are not taken cared of will attract tenants who don't take care of their rental.Originally posted by @Ralph Noack:So I went to look at the house the other night.

Prior to, I was and still "flip" homes for profit, I have been extremely fortunate and now have an amazing team.  

At 150K you can put in Granite countertops as @Will Barnard mentioned, that little bit and people will think you spent a fortune to fix the place up. the Kitchen probably is not that big, maybe 20' of countertop in it ?

Fortunately I have a traveling nurse who has reserved one of the houses for 2 weeks of the month for the next few months (at a significant discount, but 2 weeks is great anyway).Good point about the canned responses.  

I'm fortunate enough to live in the Bay Area where we tend to understand the limits of technology, but not everyone is so fortunate (or is fortunate enough to have a pool of buyers that knowledgeable). 

Fortunately, I had a friend with a garage full of tools he was too happy to use on my projects.