What if things change after closing, i.e. change in job, death in the family and you no longer will use the property as you primary residents.

When we find out our info isn't correct my job is to correct it.

Hang around them and add value by doing the jobs nobody wants to do.

Being in and out of houses all day, every day give you insight on market conditions and allows you to take a pretty solid guess at ARV before you even run the numbers.We still suffer some of the regular problems though - like finding contractors who will show up on time and stay on budget.I have contacted about a half dozen paving contractors to look at a job at my home.  4 never returned the calls, two showed up and promised estimates. 

If you do not budget at least 5% for the tenant that loses their job or decides to stay and not pay, then where would you get your funds from? 

Orlando, Fla.Average home price: $247,5503-year population growth: 7.6%2-year job growth: 7.1%1-year home price growth: 9%3-year price growth forecast: 35%2.

We never did rent it to anyone other than my sister-in-law for a short time.I now live in what will probably our "forever home" and am interested in getting into real estate to start making some passive income and ultimately quit my day job.I have listened to a TON of the bigger pockets podcasts and am primarily interested in renting, however, I also don't mind getting my hands dirty and have dabbled in contracting some jobs out myself so may get into flipping as well.My wife and I are big fans of Dave Ramsey and are within about 5 years of paying off our house.

In addition, look in Attleboro.Acquisition prices are lower, and so are the rents - but I frequently see MFRs that meet the 1% and even 2% rule.Check the crime heat maps on Trulia to get a feel for the neighborhoods.BTW, New Bedford has done a really nice job cleaning up the waterfront. 

For my W-2 job, I travel a lot and am often times out at sea for weeks at a time.I am currently out to sea and there have been some problems the have sprung up at home.

I would recommend you try to find an investor, real estate agent, property manager or contractor to intern with or get a part time job with.