Are there any washers and dryers on the site? 

COC helps you evaluate how your property is performing versus your 401k.

Price / Rent Ratio - lower the better Avg Median Income - feeds into #2, not as important on its ownAvg Median Price - feeds into #2, not as important on its ownAvg Median Rent - feeds into #2, not as important on its ownRent % of Income - rent should be >1/3 of incomeSociodemographic Rank - should be high (used this article)Population Growth - should outpace US average (used this site)Jobs Growth - highger the better (used Forbes data: example)Law Favorability - should be landlord-friendly (used Avail: example)State Tax Favorability - should be favorable (used this article)Poverty Level - should be low (used city-data.com)Crime - should be below US average of 290 (used city-data.com)Industries Present - should be diverse (used city-data.com) Here are the markets I evaluated: Bend, ORGreenville, SCCharlotte, NCMeridian, IDMidland, TXSpartanburg, SCHuntsville, ALKent, WAWithout any further delay, here is my market analysis laid out with selection criteria and markets: As you can see, the Top 2 Markets are: Meridian, IDCharlotte, NCand they are mostly green across the board, hitting all selection criteria, at a reasonable purchase price for my first investment at a young age.Now that I've completed a brief analysis, I'm looking to dive into deal finding and developing my Core 4.What are your thoughts on my preliminary market analysis?

I have viewed some auction sites, but have read very mixed reviews on whether or not they are reputable.

While performing some preliminary research on rental properties, I discovered that there are several strategies that can be executed.

Hello, just recently found this site and saw a few videos etc.

I'm also wondering if you begin to feel better about the investment over time, and as you become more confident in the performance of the properties they sell you? 

Have you done a member search on this site for a local attorney @Stan R.?

You can do a member search on this site to find some local agents who can guide you with REO properties. 

There are quite a bit of 3rd party sites and agencies that will list your property for short term for a percentage/referral fee which will be helpful as you get started.