The local economy is supported by several diverse sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, which sustains employment levels and underpins rental demand.

Given he was originally from Australia I thought it would be prudent to find out from local sources what his back story was.

You have to be a local operator to really know anything. 

As I am contemplating leaving Quickbooks, it seems that the best strategy for me is to pay them one month a year for the next 7 years so that I can keep my data available in the event of an audit.

I have an existing HELOC through a local bank with balance of $100,000.

I would also double check all of your lease documents and make sure everything is in compliance with the local ordinances.

Timing or not, I wouldn't sign a lease in my personal name, you have little to no protection in the event there is a liability issue - ie grandma slips on the sidewalk - under LLC they have to sue the LLC if that's where property is owned and the lease is drawn. if it's owned personally they can sue you and everything you you have. bottom line is I say delay and get an LLC but that's just me

Local to my primary residence.

I normally invite locals to the meetups.

Also important is being able to find a reliable property manager in the area.I'd love to hear from local investors – am I looking at the right areas?