I have talked to others in the area and it really is hit or miss, but good management and a professional listing really seems to make the difference.

If you are evaluating a REIT, it would be wise and prudent to do your homework and select the appropriate professional to guide you.

My short term goals are to develop a deeper understanding of how to effectively analyze markets as well as networking with realtors, lenders and contractors.

You need to network with investors to get your team/mentor/knowledge/ and contractor recommendations.Good luck and give us updates!

Hey @Lorraine Hernandez, our team is well networked in the area and have worked with many investors purchasing homes with current tenants. 

Another great avenue would be to start wholesaling, that way you learn how to find discounted deals, sell them to investors in your network you can learn from, and make some money! 

I am a mortgage professional in bloomfield Hills serving all over the Midwest.  

He answered all of my questions efficiently and professionally.

Accountants are in such demand, that the best are not even accepting clients half the time.The other problem I see often with accountants on here is that they specialize in larger investors, and have really high prices when you as a smaller investor do not need all the bells and whistles.Another thing I see is folks thinking they need to have a tax professional in their state.

Go to some networking events in both areas, get on some wholesaler buyers lists, and have an agent set you up with an automated search on the MLS so you can start to follow trends both on and off market.