Depending on how far these tenants are lagging market rates for their similar size and condition of unit, you can be a touch more aggressive, but likely want to keep your rates $50+ below competition, so even if they are pissed they will start shopping around and realize they will still have to pay more and incur moving costs, if they choose to leave.

Now, every deal isn't a deal, so it starts with how you purchase and what your long term goals are.

What tips have you guys been using as starters to start with peace of mind on your asset protection journey?

I wanted to start off with working on a property with only minor repairs and cosmetics.

I've started may years back, decades in NYC when it was tough.

However, the time I could spend in Atlanta before buying might help me avoid headaches by getting to know the market even better than my research.I currently do not have an investor-friendly agent there, but I do have a real-estate contact here in Boston who lived there for 20 years.I am interested to hear your thoughts and what you'd do, if you were in my shoes.I wouldn't necessarily move to an area before I'd invest there, but I would spend a week getting to know the neighborhoods first hand. 

Thank you It does not matter where you start as long as you develop your Core 4.

-Homeownership First: Would it be better to first purchase a home of our own, get some experience being homeowners, and then start the process of renting out properties?

I was set to start a job here in TX in acquisitions at a real estate investing company. 

Haven't done any deals yet, but have several things started.