If it ends up you do need a high-finish, flip-level rehab just to rent it out, maybe you can take on a partner for the deal so you don't end up being stuck?

A couple may ask "will you sell on a lease purchase" (hey, I do that too), a couple others will subtract 35% from your asking price hoping you'll drop to "hard money" lender levels so they can make an offer.

Consequently, you stand to lose some level of control. 

This week in rental property, mortgage rates climbed up to the highest levels for the year.

I would want to feel comfortable with a certain level of cash on hand and very safe gov't bonds for any emergency to handle.

I am a naive want-to-be investor (right now) looking to get myself to a good level of knowledge to pursue the field.And although the I live in the UK (where I'll invest) I've been listening to the BP podcasts in order to learn how to invest and how to think as an investor: which are not things restricted to an American information source!

I'm a Tampa native.

Some good info for a base of knowledge and conduct your business legally but most not very useful.Focus on systems to serve clients at a high level,  your sales skills, negotiation and ways to get leads. 

I think a lot of it depends on what level of due diligence is needed.

The number one fear of new landlords is placing tenants, so this adds a comfort level for them.