I don't have a lot of time or bandwidth to invest in a fixer-upper and I would like something with limited work.  

Have you every experienced anything like this?  

(Agents like to keep listings, but they might send you buyer leads since they take up more time.)

Sounds like you have been letting fear get in the way of taking the leap. 

It looks like iowa regulates the transfer:https://ipropertymanagement.com/laws/sold-property-security-...Even if you don't have specific language regarding the security deposits if the leases transfer I would expect the security deposits to transfer as part of the lease.

For connecting with local resources like mortgage brokers, investors, and agents, the Austin Real Estate Investors Association (REIA) is a great starting point.

That is what we are seeing a lot more of recently and this is like my 4th post in the past week about it.

In 2020/2021, when rates were at all-time lows, this area was super hot, like most other Atlanta markets, and investor demand was high.

Happy to chat about what it’s like investing out of state and I can certainly make some introductions there if you want. 

Like Rich said, starting reading and self-educating.