If you have limited time but sufficient capital, I would definitely recommend syndications. 

The other article didn't provide sufficient detail to determine what it was. 

Here are some general considerations and steps in the process.First make sure there is sufficient demand for rentals or housing in the market. 

@Jonathan Valdes May be your loan is not passing self sufficiency test because of flood insurance and higher property taxes.

Generally these are people that either (A) had children very young or (B) do not generate sufficiently income at their jobs to save enough to buy.(5) Lack of Credit. 

When crime increases, people with sufficient income move to areas with lower crime.

I will always get a thorough home inspection and rely on a few trusted agents until I attain the experience to be a little more self sufficient, but I would still like to know that right questions to ask when speaking to an inspector, agent, or homeowner.

They still required her to be a signatory to the mortgage and to be on title ... and would not allow my portion to be held in my company (their policy did not permit companies and individuals to jointly own property).On recent visit to that same lender - with another partner - I was told having me on the deal would put things under far more scrutiny and greatly slow-down the process ... despite the partner having more than sufficient capacity to carry the mortgage on his own.I think if you find the right lenders and set things up in advance (almost like being pre-approved), @Julie Broad's approach still has legs, but my recent experience (this past year) is that it's becoming more difficult.

Look at your state's requirements for a real estate office, generally insurance, location, signs, contact phone numbers, hours of operation and sufficient staffing.

You also must have sufficient reserves if you have a vacancy or major repair.