Most investors want to know if the group has satisfied the SEC regulations, but I've been spending extra time taking a deep dive on the individuals and track record.

I want to dive in.

If you can easily find properties for sale in an area around say for examples sake 120k and using a site like rentometer you see the average rent price is around 1,200 or above then that’s probably a good market to dive into learning more about. 

Do a deep dive on the PM, and don't hesitate to go elsewhere if needed, and make sure you can exit your PM relationship with 30 days notice.

So I’d find a TX mentor and learn the ropes before diving in.

My fear is I will keep rejecting opportunities until I find the perfect one and never simply dive into REI.

So true Anthony, I know what you mean about "unchecked" , That's why I'm so pissed because I should have known better and dug deeper into his paperwork. 

Once under contract, I get deeper into the analysis and get insurance quotes, tax records, etc.

If your business goals aren't rooted in something deeper than success itself, you will burn out and give up too early. 5.

I am starting to feel that the market there is better suited for someone looking to stay in the area for a long time and house hack (which is not us) or for someone with deeper pockets who can handle a very large scale renovation on a foreclosure or cheap gut (which unfortunately is also not us at this time) We were looking in the capital region due to family being in the area so at least we can make each trip a dual purpose visit (they would not be helping to maintain or manage the property, we would bring on property management for that) but honestly, the drive up there is longer than the drive to Wilmington and that's very enticing.