I have health issues so most of my work is searching and evaluating props on line.

Being that I live and invest in Fargo, ND/Moorhead, MN, I have made it my duty to spread the importance of this distinction because I run into far too many out of state investors that associate ALL of ND and it's RE markets with the success of the Western ND oil industry.

Being self-employed has always been an issue qualifying, so I will have to start small and work my way up.  

So these are my initial thoughts on the issue - I'd love to hear any feedback from the experts out there... any other military members who encounter these types of frequent move and invest types of life situations... so thanks in advance for your input!!!

Lessons learned:1)Fire a non performing PM early and often ... they NEVER get better.2)Don't buy out of state where you can't verify issues & solutions or easily take control to straighten out a mess if need be.3)Repeated visits for what seems like the same or similar issue are a red flag which should NOT be ignored.4)Use licensed, bonded electricians who pull permits.5)Trust but verify.6)Be careful about who even bids your jobs.

San Diego has some very distinct neighborhood boundaries that aren't apparent if you aren't intimately familiar with the area.  

Just keep being a good landlord by making sure the property is in working order and being quick to respond to issues.  

Gary can be a good rental city, but you better have a very strong property manager or you could have major issues with rents not being paid and people tearing up your properties.  

The issue with land in general is its stark trickiness, there's no way to set a general rule of thumb as to what prices ought to be offered or what an approximate value would be, the reason?

As a tenant myself, who is just about to buy her first property...landlords who are responsive, friendly, and actually care when I have an issue make me very happy.