I have started looking around and browsing the resources available, and learning about the industry, generally preparing to make by first investment in 1-2 years when the timing is right.This is all great, but I have questions regarding market research and how people here approach it.

I am sure you have to work a good bit to unearth the value plays, but how hard is it to just buy a 100+ lot park on CW&CS if you are wiling to pay a market rate for the asset and can qualify for the financing that is generally available?

That is normally a requirement only for pass-through entities.You may also want to see if the state also has a non-resident withholding exemption certificate available.

I don't know what local down payment assistance programs are available in Georgia.

My total HELOC available is $450K.I am looking to buy SFRs in the $125K range. 

They are now being used for enhanced photography, virtual tours, and even property management.Big DataAs the world becomes a planet of digital natives, more and more data is becoming available to the public.

However, that type of reaction (outer areas seeing sharper declines) had more to do with the areas having more cookie cutter subdivisions and available land than anything.

I keep about 10 months worth of rent available at all times for my homes... and trust me, the $1,000-$2,000 of annual cash flow is likely not going to build fast enough to handle your first vacancy.

Right now though, it makes more sense to our specific goals to leverage 19,000 towards a down payment than a 401k max (if it was even available to him).

Use professionals who practice what they preach because there are more good investment properties available than there are real estate investors.