Fill in the foundation below.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere Check out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.

Travis Lloyd Now that's they key to it.

After all, I enjoy getting checks monthly - but it would nice to cash in a fat check once in while too.Question 2 - Networking is key to finding good deals - MLS can have some good deals periodically - but the best deals are going to come from a distressed situation that you find out about through word of mouth - and that means staying in front of your network and growing it so that you are exposed to new situations and opportunities.

Opinions vary on getting your real estate license, I might just look for a great investor friendly realtor.Set up some key word alerts for topics and geographic areas you are interested in.  

But the key is that it does not affect your Debt-to-income ratio.But I'd say pull it out and start buying properties!!!

Charleston as a rental market is very under the radar.. no turn key companies but talk about solid fundamentals.. you have enough Organic buyers in your market to really not need to go nationwide like other markets to find buyers.

the key is to make this a win-win and financially attractive on both sides of the dash.Hope this helps.

@John Fleming I don't know any realtors/brokers in NOLA, but I do have connections with several of the professional short-term rental managers down there if you're looking for someone to handle the airbnb/turn-key aspect of it.

Put a code on front door and tenants can leave keys behind with easy access to other tenants.

Here are the key questions to think through before you get it going:1) what do you want to buy2) how much can we afford3) how will you pay for it 3) what are you going to do with it afterHere is how we tackled this challenge:1) Find a reputable and responsive agent to work with: we worked with @Sharon Tzib2) Get pre-qualified with a good and local lender that work with investors: we usedd Rochelle Frazeur from New American. 3) Use some good MLS criteria to set up lists with your agent3) Find out how to identify a good deal: We got our hands on some good cash flow analysis calculators (thanks to @Sharon Tzib) and we used the calculators on BP as well4) Make neighborhood visits to those areas of your interest5) Find other venues to meet up with other investors or go to workshops and meet up's: We've attended BP meet up in Houston, events with Jet Lending, meeting with Wholesalers, and we've met one-on-one with other investors6) Look for non-MLS sources to find properties for sale: wholesalers, and local listing through Rich club or word of the mouth7) Talk to the property manager if you are planning on using on.