Make sure there is support, training, mentor programs and most of all a supportive environment. 

I'm trained as a lawyer but in your situation, I'd hire a lawyer myself.

Having been in Austin since 1998, I can tell you it is like a train that just keeps rolling down the tracks.

They have beautiful offices and camaraderie and rah rah training.

I had a recommendation from someone I know well who has around 15-20 properties in the Schaumburg area and cash flows well due to school districts, proximity to trains, shopping, etc....the obvious factors. 

Get credentials, certifications, training, etc. 

Now I just do cross training in my house with music playing for an hour.

I've been told that hard money lenders are the way to go, but just skeptical because I've been given sales pitches the last 6 months, instead of training.

I think sometimes the cleanout phase is taken for granted (because some think its easy), but if you have a trained crew and efficient system in place before you arrive at the property, you will save time and money.   

Now the wife contacted me and said her husband can’t sign anything because he left for basic training without her knowing and will be gone for 10 weeks.