We have heard good things about this area and are looking for an investment-friendly agent who has systems in place for out-of-state investors (we lived in Florida for 10 years and moved back to Europe).

We have been considering selling our recently vacant first owned home that has been a rental for 20 years.

@Daniel MartinezNo, you have to find one on your own.

You wouldnt be able to sell them independently from the main home. 

You asked about the risks and benefits of using leverage in real estate investing.The reality is leverage cannot be avoided, usually, in real estate investing.The risks are you get over-leveraged and your don't have enough cashflow and reserves to weather a market shift, extended vacancy, or major repair.The advantage is you increase your ROI by using other people's money and as little of your own money as possible.

Usually, in a single-family long-term rental situation, the tenant is paying for all of their own utilities.

I am the agent for the seller as it is my parents, and we are purchasing. 

I currently work in the energy sector, but my ultimate goal is to become financially independent through real estate.

I have done a couple transactions as an agent on a team and my wife and I are saving up to invest in our first property together. 

Do you own your own home at the moment?