I was in the position of considering renting to someone with a pittie.  

Putting people in a position where they would need to sell or come up with an alternative strategy to pay off the mortgage balance prior to rebuilding. 

I would lean towards recommending that you pursue the deal - plus having the property remain in your family may be a net positive for you and your extended family regardless of the ultimate financial return. 

Quote from @Monish Anand: Start by looking for personal recommendations from investors in that market, then look on realtor.com or a google search.DO NOT use agents suggested by a website like realtor, Zillow, etc.

There are also other websites that have a Cost of Living index or other comparison tools.

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 1-3 years for positive cashflow, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, immediate cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

I hope to use private capital to fund the entry fees in second position.  

With a positive mindset and a commitment to our visions, 2025 holds the promise of becoming a transformative year for us all.

I will assume positive intent here that this is not the experience you intend for your customers.

My questions are what books or other resources would you recommend to someone just getting started and also what is the best path to get started on in real estate for someone in my position?