This brings me to now, I've taken this approach and have used my own money in lending, but am also bringing in friends and family to take part in these transactions so they can earn way better returns than with CD's.

Our sincerest condolences to all of those impacted, we have dozens of friends and colleagues that have directly or indirectly lost everything and several have evacuated for reprieve to our communities both north and south of the border. 

Phoenix has been a hot market for rentals recently, but consider how long-term trends, interest rates, or construction projects might impact demand.Here’s a quick story: A friend of mine bought a new-build in a suburban development a few years back.

I recommend you go visit a few times to network with local investors or find an investor friendly agent so you can gain local market knowledge, find off market deals and for things such as showings, picture taking or getting accurate comps.

A lifelong friend and I are motivated to (virtually) meet and connect with those in REI working in the Pittsburgh area.I'm active duty military and living in California with two rental properties (one in Virginia Beach & one in Pittsburgh) and my close friend owns a single family in Baltimore.  

You don’t have to be aggressive about it but maintaining friendly contact can go a long way.

All the friends I trust were out of town or married, and I was done living with strangers. 

@Joshua MiddletonI am very familiar with that street, good friend used to rent Long term on it for about 7 years.  

Locally some investors say that Niagara county is actually a little more landlord friendly than Erie, but I do not have experience in both counties so I can't comment on that.

One of my friend happens to be a RE agent, landlord and a property manager himself and he seems to feel that as long as she pays rent on time and does not create nuisance, not to worry much and just keep do a quarterly property inspection.