Here are some good places to start: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet- find and connect with other BP members that are in your area.http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts - Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you.And, of course thehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums - ask any question about real estate!

Through books, memberships, and podcasts I gotten peoples' best thoughts and ideas.

-Tenant sends me email claiming they took pictures when they moved out (I mentioned I had taken pictures of move in condition so they got the idea from me, I could see the light turn on when I mentioned it) and that they expect their entire deposit back and that I said I would prorate their last months rent.

Looking for ideas to implement. 

I also like the idea of being able to sell it just incase I need an exit strategy.

well you can thank the internet  sites like BP  late night television evangilist RE guru's webinars podcasts etc etc.. facebook.. linkdin  etc etc. and the burning desire from many to get rich as absolutely quick as possible and some irrational idea that real estate is the way.. take the bar to entry is non existent and you have a lot of beginners.the reason you have all this wholesaler activity is because the market has strengthened and they can't buy a home like they could pre 08 only way to jump in with no money is try to pimp deals.

Anastasia re-read this topic and others.Some TK providers say ( newly rehabbed )or as you say (rent-ready).If you have a property for 40k as it's total value and  it's needs a new roof for 4,000 that is 10% of the worth of the property.

I do not subscribe to the idea that $100 per door of cash flow is a good investment as some do.

And while a MLO sounds good in theory, I don't like the idea an owner could stop making payments,meet judgments/liens against him and the property, etc.

Any ideas on how to get it rented.