I conducted the open house, blasted it on Facebook, showed the house, did all of the negotiating, etc.

In light of this, I have a question for this select and targeted audience...In an idealized world, if you were to buy a newly renovated small apartment building 8-16 Units in Holyoke, MA, would you want to buy without tenants so you can conduct your own due diligence, or with tenants and a proven rental history?

When you do find a prospective Facility, you're going to want to conduct a 3-Mile market Study & Competition Analysis.  3 Miles (5 if it's rural) because that is typically the maximum distance folks are willing to travel to store their treasures.I'm sure you did the math, which means that there are A LOT of 3-mile markets in a 3-hour drive radius from your hometown.After working that strategy for awhile you determine that you are truly in a bad market, then I'd go about looking for another state. 

What do you all use for conducting market research, aside from Bigger Pockets of course :)

We personally have all adults (18 and over) go onto the lease (as well as conduct a background check), and I would recommend it for you as well.

The bank sends a trustee to conduct the sale.Separately, from time to time there is a Sheriff's Sale of real estate, and those sales are to satisfy a judgment. 

Side Note: I've conducted plenty of wholesale flips but no buy and hold investment deals (until now).

If you do, then go for it, but conduct your due diligence thoroughly, you don't want to get stuck in a flip that you can't afford to rehab, because of bad planning.

After countless hours of listening to podcasts and scouring the internet, I am ready to start exploring hard money options to conduct my first deal.

It's essential to conduct thorough research, possibly consult with experts, and align your investment strategy with your financial objectives and risk tolerance.What are your thoughts on this topic?