For example, the unemployment rate, relatively low, is 6.5% versus MA's 3.5%It's been a long time since I was more familiar with Springfield, so I'm not sure about the impact of the casino.In general, similar to other working class cities like Fitchburg, in Springfield I'd imagine you'd fine the following conditions:- Attractive Cap rates- Medium vacancy- You're paying a realtor or property management company to find tenants (in higher end cities the tenants pay the realtor fee)- Section 8 tenants -- could be a negative or positive, depending on your view.

@Brian WilliamsSimple advice - get an attorney and connect with a title company.

can settlement be done local to me and all signatures be given to the title company here or do I need to initiate the settlement local to the deal in VA and have the buyer attend separate settlement live?

Another great resource is joining your local REIA.

You will need to learn about the local laws, advertise, background check applicants, meet them for showings, answer questions, get a good lease, answer the phone at any time, arrange for repairs, do inspections, manage finances, manage an LLC, and more.

Check out local meetups as well.  

BP has been vital in making connections to learn not only with national people but with local investors in my area as well (no specific meetups though).

Aim for suburbs growing fast and keep an eye on local economy signs.Good luck!

See if there is a local FB group for STR'S. 

I need to figure out how to get a Google Voice so I can make cold calls, but look local, as Google Voice does not work in Canada.