You have to find a location that works for you on many different levels, not only geographically, but economically and have enough inventory to satisfy your goals.

The downside is you will need to live there, for a minimum of one year (to satisfy FHA Requirements); AND because you closed personally, you will not have Asset Protection, in the form of closing in the name of a LLC.

I plan to live in here for 1 year or so and then convert it to a rental so long-term durability is important.

It all depends really. if you are satisfied with your returns and are nearing retirement then there is no harm in keeping them.

In other words a person of integrity and commitment will likely satisfy all of your needs and then some.

@Charlie Fitzgerald Ya I plan to keep about 25% equity in them with 12 months worth of PITI in a nest egg to satisfy my own mind. 

Call Bill - agent 443-xxx-xxxGive CMA and comps as you need themLook at properties first - give you their opinion of valueMeet with you as often as necessary to discuss potential transactionsTell you why or why not you should make offers on buildingsMake a mailing on selected neighborhoodsInform you of property auctions and give you value opinion Advertise your needs on Internet sitesUse Power Prospecting to find cash flow or equity profit transactionsAs a broker and auctioneer and investors for over 40 years - I understand the culture, the mind set and motivation of agents.They usually will only offer you properties that are listed - They don't understand Fidusiary Buyer's Brokering and getting paid by you the buyer (You will make more money faster with unlisted deals)They don't have or like to spend their money to satisfy your needsThey want to make a sale as quickly as possible regardless if you benefitMost don't understand the many creative formulas necessary to develop a profit for youMost don't know how to negotiate seller financing or the many clauses used in contract engineering Disclosure - agents are good people who don't get respect from their customers; sellers and buyers are always looking for ways to cut the agent out of their feeYou need to know that finding the agent I have described is not going to be easy - you will be misunderstood and dismissed - expect that - but don't give up.You should ......Have a well written agreement of representation - to pay them a fee on properties they help you buy - control or assign. 

The downside is you will need to live there, for a minimum of one year (to satisfy FHA Requirements); AND because you closed personally, you will not have Asset Protection, in the form of closing in the name of a LLC.

She did provide an official rent-roll which satisfied me enough to make an offer, put down earnest cash, and put out about another $3,000 in inspections and legal fees.

works at our Church and obviously doesn't get paid much, but the work is rewarding and satisfying!