I moved mine to a self-directed IRA, so no penalty to invest in whatever I choose.

Hi all, My name is Maureen and we are in the process of choosing our first out of state rental property. 

Choosing a specific appraiser is not possible, but a mortgage broker can reject an appraiser and ask for a new one.

It is often helpful to look at the expenses associated with choosing and adopting a plan, periodic restatement, etc. 

GeoffCosts Due at Closing Points: 3% of loan (one time) [only financed at 70% of ARV]Origination Fees: $1,020 ($400 document processing + general administrative costs, $575 legal fees - preparation and review of all documents, $30 application fee (charged at closing), $15 flood certification)Appraisal Fee: $400 - $475 (paid directly to state licensed appraiser)Insurance: ARV x .45% -- (paid for 6 months in advance before you close; can choose any insurance company as long as it meets minimum requirements HML has + lists HML as mortgagee on policy)Buying Closing Costs: 1% of purchase price (title insurance + escrow fees)Outside Costs (Holding) 4 Month Flip (120 days): 2 months of construction, 1 month on market, 1 month in escrow/title; plan for 6 months Monthly payments: 1% of loan Utilities: $230/month (varies; $125 electricity, $60 water, $45 gas)Property Tax: $3,000/12 months x number of monthsRealtor fees: 4% of ARV (multiple realtors that will list for 1%)Selling Closing Costs: 1.5% of ARV---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Example of House:Buy at $120kRehab at $50kARV at $230kCosts Due at Closing Points: 3% of loan; financed at 70% of ARV ($230,000 x 70% = $161,000 loan) $161,000 x 3% = $4,830Origination Fees: $1,020Appraisal Fee: $475Insurance: ARV x .45% $230,000 x .45% = $1,030Buying Closing Costs: 1% of purchase price $120,000 x 1% = $1,200TOTAL CLOSING COSTS: $8,555------------Outside Costs (Holding) Monthly payments: 1% of loan $161,000 x 1% = $1,610 x 6 months = $9,660Utilities: $230 per month $230 x 6 months = $1,380Property Tax: $3,000/12 months x number of months $3,000/12 = $250 x 6 months = $1,500Realtor fees: 4% of ARV $230,000 x 4% = $9,200 Selling Closing Costs: 1.5% of ARV $230,000 x 1.5% = $3,450TOTAL HOLDING COSTS: $25,190-------------Out of Pocket Portion for Rehab: $9,000TOTAL OUT OF POCKET COSTS: $30,095TOTAL OUT COST INCLUDING REALTOR FEES AND SELLING CLOSING COST: $42,745Calculations-------------------------------------------------------------Buy at $120,000 + $33,745 (costs) + $50,000 (rehab) = $203,745Sell at $230,000 - $203,745 (costs + rehab) = $26,255 (PROFIT)Cash on Cash $26,255 (Profit) / 30,095 (Total Cash Invested) = 87 %Return on Investment $26,255 (Profit) / $203,745 (Total Spent including all cost) = 12.8%

Then, finish with Long Distance Real Estate Investing which again narrows down your chosen field (rental properties) and looks at how to go about building teams and growing your portfolio from a distance.How did you choose these three books in particular?

However, I would be carefully to choose the right neighborhood and right location, instead of jumping to an unknown neighborhood randomly too soon (in case it is a rough neighborhood).  

If I were you and want to maximize your time, I would create a video on Facebook, Youtube, or other sites to get the buyers to visit your one page landing site to collect their email in exchange of a free information book like wholesaling to educate the buyers.

Happy to connect over an intro zoom video chat.

Give me a solid YouTube video and other instructions online and I can fix some basic things, I try to learn as much as I can to be a good Landlord/Homeowner.