I've read some books and articles about the investment industry but I'm like a baby trying to hold its head up.

I even shared a couple of local newspaper articles about that business.

Make sure to listen to all the BP podcasts, read the articles on the main blog and be active in these forums to learn a ton very quickly about any topic in real estate you want to know more about.This is also a great place to meet people that can be assets to your business.

@Nathan Flanigan -When you are reviewing the possibility of going Turnkey, be sure and read some of these BiggerPockets.com blog articles.  

Make sure to listen to all the BP podcasts, read the articles on the main blog and be active in these forums to learn a ton very quickly about any topic in real estate you want to know more about.This is also a great place to meet people that can be assets to your business.

I'm new to the BG family, and have learned so much from all of the articles and forums.

If you want to be hands-on, I'd go with finding your own property manager and going that route.I wrote an article awhile back debating those two methods, maybe it will help-http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2012/12/22/out-of-state-real-estate-investing/As far as how to pick markets, I look at 1) whether the numbers work or not (for positive cash flow) and 2) if there is growth happening.

I tried to figure this step by step on the napkin from the article Rental property numbers so easy you can calculate them on a napkin, and came out in the red.

Article below.http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_24438138/trelora-founder-promises-real-estate-industry-shake-up

WIth previous threads and articles I have read, why do investors add closing costs as part of their cash outlay?