I deal with a great big guy from Kosovo.

Ideally, I would highly recommend just using a property manager from day one.

Ideally, I can come out cut-and-dry telling them to follow the rules or be out in 30 days.

Ideally you don't want to have to pay a realtor on a wholesale deal.

But ideally you'd want one who already has some RI clients with real estate, as RI has become a lot more tax-unfriendly to investors in the past few years.For example, they eliminated itemized deductions in 2011 (http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20110327/REG/303279975) and also started treating capital gains as ordinary income around the same period (http://voices.yahoo.com/elimination-preferential-tax-treatment-capital-6915746.html).That said, one of my more experienced real estate friends in RI seems to be having great luck with someone out of Ohio.

@Rolanda Eldridge yes that would be ideal for me and are keeping my eyes open.

I deal in the North side and if it is an area I am familiar with I can provide some insight.Is it listed on the MLS?

I have seen regular pizza joint purchases, movies or eating out, all fine but when such are excessive for the income that can indicate poor money management, especially when there is a lack of savings and balances run thin at the end of the month.If I see checks every week to some church, guess what that probably means.....How people take care of and use thier money can tell you more about them than anything they might tell you!

I would say that 4/2.1 would be ideal.6.Modern features such as a functional 2-person master bath, social kitchen, attached 2+ car garage, central heat and/or AC, non-gold features, etc.7.Clean, decent, functional yard (low cost of upkeep, so no pool and probably no water feature)8.B neighborhood or better, and on a decent or better street.9.Attractive curb appeal.

It would be ideal to visit each property, and I definitely agree with Jon about visiting the area.