For individual properties, I like Navy Federal due to the long draw period of 20 years and a long repayment period of 20 years.  

We took a year running to Philadelphia, where we wife attended the University of Pennsylvania, had lot of friends there, and familiar with the landscape.

Or maybe have a squatter coming in on a down week and taking over.Or maybe you like dealing with folks sleeping in your back yard or having a derelict RV on the street in front of your house.I am being a bit hyperbolic of course, but our area isn't owner friendly at all and it is getting worse.

It’s also a decent landlord friendly state for investors. 

I did talk to an architect, and he said he could do a preliminary drawing, that would give me enough to go to individual contractors for budget pricing .

An investor friendly agent can do all sorts of helpful things, like setting you up with a search for properties or connecting you with folks who have recently done deals like the ones you want to do. 6) Consider analyzing a deal or two in your local market, just for practice, with a free use of our Rental Property Calculator (or other calculators).

Looking for investor-friendly agents, hard money lenders and rehab specialists. 

If you're looking to take advantage of the tax benefits as a self employed individual AND invest in alternative assets be sure the company you go with also offers that ability.   

Take the time NOW to find an investor friendly title company that is willing to close assignment deals (some title companies won't).

Not having a ton of friends to do stuff with and sacrificing those expensive things and events you want to have for what you desire in the future.