Each unit needed minimal work (mostly cosmetics) which I was able to tackle the summer before classes began.

Reason, I have the means to travel around the U.S. at minimal cost in a timely manner, so I could easily view properties in person on the cheap.

You're going to want to live near your first rentals, that way when things go wrong (and they will) you can deal with it quickly, easily, and with minimal time & cost.

My main goal in renting it out is to minimize our losses while we are gone-- I'm under no illusions that this will make us rich.

Off the top of my head;Less than 10% down, about 10%, but mostly with other collateral pledged10%>15% about 45%15%>20% about 25%20%> the remaining 20% Lease Options mostly 80% being 10% or less, 10% more than 10% and the balance minimal deposits usually financed.Seller financed first mortgages close to that of CFDs.Too many seconds to guesstimate.Hope that helps you in figuring out your market position/distribution.

This gives you a $137,624 a year of cashflow. 3 years of cashflow from this investment = $412,872 (Not to mention tax benifits)Total equity in the property after 3 years = 1.015 million 3 years of appreciation (assuming a minimal 3%/yr) $315,000 Downpayment of $700,000After a quick review and running these numbers I think that selling now and using a 1031 exchange into a profitable investment property would be the way to go.

For our deals, there is minimal risk to the investor because the deal must be pre-contracted on both sides before we will lend.

What made me go with his company was their low cost, no upfront fees & minimal paperwork.

I hope to eventually get into some buy and hold properties as well as some flips that may require minimal rehab so it will be nice to know someone to go to for questions.

Also, when you look at MLS photos the interior shots are usually dark and bare bedroom walls are not visually appealing.