A good property manager is key, but that holds true wherever you choose to live.

It was extremely hard because when I put him down for a nap all I want to do is sit on the couch and stare at the wall for an hour.I ended up putting him in daycare, which was hard, but like you, I had to choose to go all in on real estate or continue to struggle.

It does not matter whether you choose SFH, MFH, mobile homes, strip malls, or hotels...the true determination of your success is how well you know your strategy and your area.Having said that, I would recommend examining your motivations for SFH.

You must be careful with pocket areas as well as a few condo developments that have a bad reputation.

Someone can't pay their mortgage, so the bank claims it back as a forclosure, it get's auctioned out to then be put back on the market by who ever bought it out (if they so choose to sell).  

Also something to remember is if you do not have a policy written down and you "Pick and Choose" in the eye of the tenant you could be sued for a Fair Housing / Discrimination Lawsuit.. always put it in writing and treat every prospect identical...

I'd also encourage you to choose a strategy and learn what you need to take the first step and then take it as opposed to trying to learn everything about REI all at once.

If I can choose between a landlord-friendly state and a tenant-friendly state, well, that answer is obvious.

It would be in your best interest to choose a company that wants to work in those areas, has the experience and man power to do so. 

@David B.An IRA invested in real estate works no differently than any other IRA when it comes to retirement and distributions.At age 59 1/2, you can choose to start taking distributions from the IRA.