I work offshore and I got my first deal under contract and bought it while 250 miles off the coast of Louisiana with satellite internet and satellite telephones.

I'd recommend to have a game plan in regards to what type of properties you are looking for, what type of budget you have in mind and also what type of financing you will be using.PPS: We have a investor meetup in Anne Arundel County in case you are interested. 

If you have the house first, only you have skin in the game.

I think you would be better off finishing the basement and adding 2-3 more bedrooms plus a family room that can be used as a media room or game room.

The name of the game is avoiding turnover and down time.

They are amazing and will really help you out and put together a great game plan!

DIrect mail is very much a numbers game, however, if you have a high quality, targeted list then 750 should be fine.  

Ive been finding properties on various internet sites and analyzing their cash flow possibilites (along with finding my "deal making offer / numbers") as often as I can while working my day job and I have noticed that Baltimore is a strange market, from what little I have learned so far.

I'm new to the REI game as well and have found this website to be amazing!  

Also just getting into the property game.