FHA will depending on how everything is setup.

At any rate it is possible, but depending on your appraisal it could be a gamble

Your criteria will depend on whatever you value most, population trends are a good indicator of what to look for.

It can depend on the property, but owner paying the bills seems rare these days. 

Sometimes they forget to tell you that many tenants in Detroit don't pay (depending on the property manager skill and the type of tenant) - but taxes are very high in the city and so is insurance. 

Of course, with all things, the answers to all these matters will depend on the circumstances.California tends to have more laws on the books and requirements and restrictions that it can be a good idea to form a CA LLC for out of state property so that you as a CA resident are covered, and to try to have your contracts fall under the purview of CA courts.

It would depend on your income, location and price of the home. 

There are a few specific area we target in Sacramento depending on your goals.

@Stefano Vrolijk it all depends on your credit history, whether you have an SSN/ ITIN and how much you can put down.

LENDBASE has the following feesConventional:1% origination fee$500 doc fee (est)Title Work TBDAppraisal $2000-$3000Environmental $0-$2000 (depending on search) Which all seem pretty normal, but FIRST they require you pay them up front $4,000.00 to start brokering loans, it’s their "non-refundable engagement fee.”Has anyone ever heard of this ever?