This can give you an idea of what your property is worth.

Is there a way to maximize income beyond your original projections with this idea?

Not implying your agent is taking advantage of your beginner knowledge just to offload a property and get dual agency commissions, but again, might not be the worst idea in the world to have someone in the Bigger Pockets community who's local/understands the Charlotte market to take a look at the deal you're getting ready to move forward on.As far as inspectors, I would recommend one that we use for our business that is in the Charlotte/surrounding areas.Precision Inspection Services - Steven Lee - 704-575-2917

@Don KonipolNot a bad idea actually to ask some of these brokers who assist to get a EMD and a full blown contract for due diligence.

With that being said, it's a good idea to get an understanding of what kind of financing you will use and what you will qualify for, so you know what to expect in terms of leverage, rates and terms.

They are entirely workable, but you really do need to understand them to approach this topic with the right mindset for success.The best way to truly get educated will be to get on the phone with an expert like @Dmitriy Fomichenko or a similar provider of checkbook IRA programs. 

I like @John Underwood idea - turn off the utilities and call the Sheriff.And once the house has been cleaned up, get a PM company to run this for you, I don't think you have the right mindset for this, and you can't have your son run this forever, right....?

I am wanting to buy my first rental but not sure if starting out of state is a good idea since I'm new.

If you use a Mexican corporation, it'll have to file a tax return in Mexico and it'll be taxed on the net profit.This is to just to give you an idea.

However, if you are offering a bike-rental business, expect to be changing flat tires and adjusting brakes on a daily basis.I also like the idea of using a local vendor.