I plan on starting some serious research in the Syracuse, NY and Raleigh, NC areas.

Thanks for the reply MikeOH...From my research, (phone calls) I'm having zero luck finding the portfolio lenders here in my city.

I help people who are from out of town do research here so they can get the properties they want.

This would include doing your research, exit strategies, emergency planning etc.

I've already done quite a bit of research and feel that I have "enough" knowledge to make the first move.

Still reading and researching.

Hire people in the town you want to do some research for you.

If you truly want "green" renovations its going to cost you a lot more than 2% more and be careful to do your research as to what is truly green.You can be green with your toilet by putting a small bottled water in the tank.

I researched for a year and a half before finalizing my investment goals.

Do some research in the Real Estate Marketing forum here.