This article is talking about Software developer and engineer salaries, not real estate, but I think it can easily be applied.http://tgeonetta.com/cost-of-living-vs-salary-best...There is a lot of talk on BP about where to get the best return, what states are better for investing, etc.

When you interview them, ask for a cost breakdown so that you can easily compare the different fees.

Think of something that already has management in place so it's not on you to stabilize it from the start.If you'd really rather put the money in the stock market, but are forced to keep it in real estate, then I'd be looking at buying just one tri or quadplex in a desirable area (or commercial, if you're inclined) - those will run you over $1M and you can easily hire a property manager to handle it for you.  

It took me a few days to get comfortable but I use it pretty easily now. 

We both have excellent full time jobs, and the rental income is steady and can easily handle a large mortgage or investor payment.

Metro Atlanta is a huge market and you could easily put triple the amount of miles on your vehicle than the average commuter.

You are right on the downside, and wrong on the upside.Expenses could easily exceed 50%.But fully costed expenses are never going to be 20%.  

I would say don't mind the agents instead seek your own due diligence every area has great potential but as far as flipping it needs to be an area of demand with people moving in and buying houses so you can easily flip and not be stuck carrying  a property loosing profit 

I think the reason for that is that I will not invest in an area that you can add to inventory easily and there's a long term high demand to live in that area.  

Mold can easily grow in a very short amount of time.