I have the option to go into other markets such as Pensacola, FL and Phoenix, AZ with already furnished rental arbitrage. 

@Daniel Morris, if you end up buying in NC I'm happy to introduce you to some great options for buyer agents.

Poor work and poor service get called out publicly, for example right here on Bigger Pockets, and reputation drives business.So, contrary to your statement, myself and my colleagues have tremendous incentives to provide excellent service and protect our reputation.

Of course, like in other cities....there are pockets.

The best ways to find this are 1) See if your local NARPM (National Association of Residential Property Managers) has an attorney affiliate member. 2) Ask your local landlord and investor club members who they use. 3) If 1 and 2 are not options, go to your local court case lookup site and pull the cases for the third week of the month.

One option - (looks like you've already taken this route) - Shack up with a local investor-minded realtor, they will be more than happy to set you up on a specific, filtered investment property drip campaign. 

the other option i have is build a 3 car garage and out a one bedroom apartment on top that ill rent for about $1500 a month.The garage price would be about 100k to fo but could make 18k a year.The land is $130kWhat do you all think is the better strategy?

Actually a little less because it takes a few days for the letter to get to you.Actually, you said you have the resources to pay it off out of pocket, so you should be good.

Also, by getting a new mortgage, you will essentially make money for the banks.If the bank is willing to add your name to the mortgage, then I would definitely pursue this option. 

It is nice but I wish they have another pricing option maybe $19.99 per month to those who are not going to use every single feature