These loans are more popular on the east coast.

Then call the references and ask about the  quality of their work, and their experience with the workmen.I'd also ask them about the costs involved to demo the lath and plaster and redo it in sheet rock as well as top coat with (probably) knock down spatter (and get a paint and molding (baseboards, windows, etc...) estimate too).Your choice will probably be evident after this.Some states require you to use a lead certified contractor to remove lead paint (special EPA training, special masks and special vacuums, etc...).Good Luck!

I'm looking for a group of other investors that could use some accountability in getting their first deal rocking and rolling.

It is a popular option in my market, but I need to know the ins and outs.

We use Cozy for rent collection and I think their screening tools are good but TransUnion’s SmartMove is rock solid. 

I have a rental in Round Rock with about $140K in equity and I'm trying to put that money aside to pick up another property.

I'd love for this primary to be a rental, without rocking the boat on our HELOC.

These 2 cities are on top of my list:Huntsville Al...KS city Missouri ...The most popular markets for cash flow are as followsCleveland, OhioDayton, OhioToledo, OhioYoungstown, OhioCincinnati, OhioMemphis, TennesseeBirmingham, AlabamaKansas City, MissouriSaint Louis, MissouriIndianapolis, IndianaDetroit, MichiganErie, PennsylvaniaLouisville, KentuckyMilwaukee, WisconsinJackson, MississippiOne thing to note when looking at the individual markets, you can make or loose money in any market.

While there is no primary industry in Running Springs, there are service industries geared to the tourism market, as the San Bernardino National Forest is a highly popular year-round tourist destination.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...Coffeyville has a long history as a center of industry and manufacturing.

In no particular order I have listed some of the most popular markets for out of state investorsCleveland, OhioDayton, OhioToledo, OhioYoungstown, OhioCincinnati, OhioMemphis, TennesseeBirmingham, AlabamaKansas City, MissouriSaint Louis, MissouriIndianapolis, IndianaDetroit, MichiganErie, PennsylvaniaLouisville, KentuckyMilwaukee, WisconsinJackson, MississippiEach of these markets is popular with turnkey investors because of the low barrier to entry, high rental demand & high rent to price ratio.