We jumped into investing with our first property without the proper knowledge.

@Mark RechkemmerThe internet will tell you this is possible if structured properly. 

If the owner is ok with the realtor doing this and the realtor properly discloses to the owner exactly what he is doing, then there is nothing wrong. 

Your going to need proper sewerage electrical and water setup for that to be legal and get any funding .

Boston proper and most areas inside RT 128 were well under 1% - commonly 0.5% - 0.8%.I'm seeing much better numbers here, and unlike Mass where a "professional (deadbeat) tenant" could tie you up in court for a year, in Maine I'm hearing that the absolute worst case scenario is 45 days.

@Russell Brazil do you see more activity in DC proper with apartment leases or home sales?

Always have had investing real estate on my mind and this year I am trying to inform myself as much as possible in order to properly set myself up for success.Are manufactured homes a good avenue to start out in since they are a relatively low purchase?

Anyone have tips for doing a proper assessment of such a property to avoid getting burned?

low end rentals that have under 950 rents will run 50 to 60% of rent all in to maintain them properly and then take out mortgage.you can run the numbers.. this is for those you do not manage.. 30 to 40% over head if you manage.. based on my owning 350 of these that I sold 4 years ago..

Did you review a proper T-12 and what does the occupancy show on that?