I have had a fair amount of recent success because I offer a pretty high rate of 11% secured by note and deed of trust on my houses in va and nc  but want to hear other peoples success stories besides local meetups.

There's a lot you can tell about not only the buyer agent but the buyer and it starts before they even put the offer in.

If anyone has knowledge of the local rental demand, property values, or general area insights, I’d greatly appreciate your input.

A lot of times they are younger and don't have the kind of resources needed to actually take down a deal.

Preferably in towns of 100k+ in red states. 

here is the situation. i left a really good paying job to take care of my 81 year old parents because my dad is chronically ill and my mom is almost there. i wont go into too much detail, but my sis doesnt help them. ill leave it at that. we have a person who comes twice a week to help with cleaning and other household tasks. i carry the bulk of the weight cooking their meals, running errands, grocery shopping, picking up meds, and taking them to dr appointments. its a full time job. i get a small salary of $1000 a month from a care giver sub contractor for the VA. ive been paying my bills with what savings ive had, but only have a few months of funds left. i own a duplex. i have over 200k in equity. i live in texas and texas has weird laws about refi and heloc/heloans when the property is 4 units or less and owner occupied. i would rather not sell, but if thats my only option i will have to at some point.does anyone have any advice or possibly be able to point me to lenders who might be able to work with my situation?

Return should always be thought of in the context of alternatives with regard to risk.

I am considering buying a lot or two in NW AR as I am working on getting away from the rentals.

Multifamily is optimal, but out of reach for many due to the price.Other options include doing a rent by the room situation.

Verifying last 2 years of rental history very important!