There are some great discussions on BP about this... from and including surveyors!

@Kim Knox, @John Knisely I've sat down with a couple of realtors to discuss the kinds of properties I'm interested in and what my strategy is, narrowing down to specific zip codes, number of bedrooms, etc., but from all of them I keep getting listings in areas I'm not comfortable working in, and properties that don't have much potential to value add.

Hey @Ryan Kunzmann not sure if @Stephen Kunen made a typo or is referring to something else but here is the link to the meet-up we are doing tomorrow (Thursday) night: Lehigh Valley Investors Market Discussion Hope you all can join! 

The loan, OTOH, has no effect on the taxable gain.I would advise you to sit with an accountant or financial planner and go through the number in detail, with consideration of your other income, and discuss future goals.

I have about $20,000 liquid that I can tap into from savings, which I would use a portion for the down payment, and my credit score is 710-714 so I'm not opposed to obtaining financing through a local bank or credit union for financing.Also, what additional books, materials, or resources would you recommend that I could read to get myself more familiarized with this form of real estate investing?

will these agents help with obtaining MLS information?

Dave, I am going to call tomorrow to discuss those solutions.  

She has agreed to owner financing but before I discuss the terms with her I want to know if it's a good idea to do it or not.

Okay I think we've had enough discussion about used mattresses.

The only information I could find discussed primary or vacation properties.