Trying to do my due diligence and research reviews on them before making this expense.

The information contained in this post is not to be relied upon.

I think Chris makes a good point of determining the strategy - performing 1st position notes is always a safe "dipping toes in the water" type of note to go with. 

@Julie J.My recommendation would be to wait until you can afford a home with traditional financing.

This also leads owners to ASSUME simpler is better when it comes to management contracts.

This reduces vacancy risk and helps maintain cash flow while you learn the ropes of being a landlord.

Your insurance is going to be highly variable and I wouldn't use what an agent or the seller tells you as the cost of dwelling policies have increased substantially over the past few years due to rising new construction costs. 

Is anyone aware of legal issues with this?

Because of this, I have been running the numbers on many properties and doing my research in the Dallas area.

Another reason to send it by mail is in many cases you will be deducting damages from deposit.