@Matthew Avery welcome aboard and good to see a fellow firefighter jumping into the game.

It might be okay if you had a large portfolio, but just one or two would probably be tough.

I started my portfolio with multi-units in Chicago.

It's a numbers game, you're properties are much less likely to burn down than they are to not burn down.

I certainly don't mind showing homes to folks who are not from the area and giving them a good idea of "where" they will have better success in the rental game.  

@Justin Frye If you're an investor that is looking to grow your portfolio I'd recommend calling the smallest 5-10 banks and/or credit unions in your market.The portfolio lending arena is much more flexible than the conventional space in my experience.

Keep a goal in mind, start building your portfolio and then check back yearly to see where you stand.

Going forward my long term goal is to acquire a portfolio of rentals to generate cash flow.

On one side it is nice he is taking care, BUT  I am worried about falling into a game of repairs and maybe rent deductions all the time.

@Aadejoke JagunnaNot gonna try and give a lot of advice here do to the fact I am still new to the game as well and I do not live in TX.I just recently purchased and rehabbed my first property and one thing I wish I had done prior to buying was looked into setting up an LLC.