As a new investor looking to get that first deal, should I be looking on the MLS, Craiglists, driving neighborhoods or locating wholesalers to find a good deal for buy and hold?

Although he had told me to 'get dressed up and drive to the largest property management group in the town where house was located, an hour away from me, and they'll for sure do it.'

As such, you are paid a gross payment with no taxes taken out.You may be required to pay estimated tax payments throughout the year.You may be eligible to deduct part of the cost of your automobile if you drive clients to properties.You may be eligible to deduct a portion or all of your health insurance costs if you pay for it.There is a 20% QBI deduction that you may be entitled to.If you knew all of the above, go ahead with a software.

I wanted to be able to drive to my potential investment, understand (from my own perspective) the good/bad/ugly of the neighborhood.

If you are worried about the area, check crimes stats, read local news articles, check housing values, drive the area on Google, anything that will allay those fears.   

Of course granite is nice, but if you're not going to be selling to upper-scale customers, or if the surrounding houses sell fine with no granite countertops, this might be an area where you could cut some costs and increase your margins.As far as the AC unit and new heating go, your estimate of $9-10k seems a bit low to me.

Experienced investors will want to help you if you show initiative, drive, and genuine interest.

Financial technology (FinTech) is supposed to drive down the cost and make this scale-up economically feasible.

@Troy S.I have some cash, a shitload of drive, 6 years of construction management experience with a top GC, a year of sales experience with a top Equipment Rental Company, a RE license in MA, a few residential deals under my belt and common sense.

Found a good deal in an up-and-coming neighborhood with solid comps surrounding it.