Additionally, you should examine the past two months of bank statements / investment accounts to ensure applicants can afford rent even if they lose their job.

Plenty of other real estate companies struggling, they're not the only ones.Listen to Jim Cramer on CNBC....don't invest in companies that lose money.As I look back over the jobs I've had since I started working, I think you should pick very carefully who you follow and learn from.   

Flipping is a good job but its work.

Having been in the Navy and to some places where hygiene and food safety is more of a suggestion than a rule, I think it's something of a cultural thing.

I am looking into North Carolina for the job growth that is happening there.

I make around $47,000 a year with a W2 job.

I'm up for suggestions and recommendations. 

We both are drawn to either single family long term rentals, or STR’s in the right locations.Right now we have $20k cash available for immediate investment, with the ability to increase that to $60-70k in the next 3 years through savings and bonuses at our day jobs.

I mean if they’re willing to leave it for free and they say they did a great job, I would find time to check it out in person.

I will gladly take any suggestions like meet ups, learning websites, books, podcasts, or even meet with other people who started real-estate investing to talk while I buy them coffee or dinner.