I like the tax advantages and the fact that the loan is being paid down by the tenants while (hopefully) the property is appreciating. 

Most of my clients are looking to make 5 to 7% return coc going in before any mortgage principal paydown and any tax advantages.

Self-directed IRA is an amazing way to take tax-deferred advantage of the cash I have piled up in my 401k, and funnel it into real estate.

Being it’s your first deal, I would personally take advantage of the leverage here and go with a low down payment, but the choice is yours.

And one of the advantages of taking a self-pace online course was that I could take the final exams ANY TIME I WANTED TO, saving a load of time.

But if there is a way that I can't put all my eggs in one basket with a market that has not a very good reputation with forums and sites that ranks Cleveland as a city of last choice, why not ask for opinions of people who know their markets well, their advantages and disadvantages?

One advantage we note for PM's is the (potential) legal advice included (not sure they all do that).  

As a guy who enjoys face to face contact when it comes to business I am tempted to go with the local firms in my new area, however I also have little experience and want to avoid being taken advantage of for my lack of knowledge. 

As a guy who enjoys face to face contact when it comes to business I am tempted to go with the local firms in my new area, however I also have little experience and want to avoid being taken advantage of for my lack of knowledge. 

I figured the usual stuff like the BS meter still works and the 1000 yard stare if someone is trying to take advantage, but anything you found yourself using that’s a carry over?