I would recommend looking at how much money you could make as a STR vs LTR & then deciding if it's worth the effort to do STR vs LTR. 

If you're planning on keeping properties as LTR, I HIGHLY recommend Heather Turner's (Brandon's wife) book on managing rental properties.

It's great to have you here.Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/m...Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/a...Read Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/r...Check out BP Money Podcast: https://www.biggerpockets.com/..Wishing you the best

Even the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) recommends that their CPAs get a cost segregation study done on properties over a purchase price of $750k.

Hey @Michael Martin, at 55 with a plan to retire at 65, most advisors should recommend debt pay down and more conservative investments as you enter the wealth preservation stage of life.

But this is an overall guideline.

@Anthony BeltranStrongly recommend against this.

Do you have any real estate agents, with experience with OOS investors, that you could recommend?

They'll make you rip open the walls to inspect and then reclose them up on your dime.I'd say follow the municipal and lender guidelines as closely as possible for rehabbing, you'll feel better knowing your bases are covered.

I'm looking for recommendation on contractors in the Memphis midtown area to help me get it looking good!