Hey, just wanted to say hi to everyone, I just stumbled upon this great community today so I thought I would do a short post. 

Hello all,So short story, a friend and myself are really eager (but cautious) about starting in the real estate (buy and hold) business.

Just go to the MLS website and take down the addresses of all the properties you're interested in, create a route on google maps, hand write a short note for each, and go stick it on their door.

In that short time ive listened to about 15-20 bigger pocket podcasts all day while at work and reading as much as possible when not working.  

A lease option to the seller for a short time might also work. 

A couple months ago I was looking at a triplex that came up for sale in a close suburb,   long story short despite suffering from long term poor management, needing substantial exterior repairs, and having damage and 2 vacant and gutted units left over from tenants-from-hell it ended up selling to somebody else for 30% over asking,  needing another 20% of the asking price (at least) in repairs.  

If you do, do a short-term lease that ends sometime in the sweet spot of Boston area rentals.- Spend some time thinking about how much to spend.

Responding shortly!

Life's too short for me to micro-manage the love life of my tenants.

I just don't see that as a viable short term option.