Understanding market conditions is key, and getting to know the little things that have huge value influences, now if you have a cookie cutter home with plenty of sales it pretty easy, but if its an oddball with little market activity, it can be kind of a crap shoot, go with your gut and be conservative on the numbers, its way better to be off on the low side than way over valuing. good luck!

Besides lost rent, you got to re-paint, re-carpet sometimes, and major fix-up if the tenant is a slob.

Trusting others when you don't know your own business is usually a major mistake, especially in the legal syatem.

Go into a major that gives you a good ROI on money AND time.

Is there a major employer in the area? 

I've called the major companies (Remax, etc) and everyone is marketing to those wanting ready-to-move in places.

I have a friend of friend that is a pretty active flipper in KC that I will be connecting with but I wanted a broader perspective on KC too. 

Hi BP community,I'm relatively new to this online community and to active real estate investing in general.

This will be my 6th active mortgage; 5 are for investment properties and this most recent one of for a primary residence.

Expenses looming, retirement (and the need for certainty) approaching,  and you're having to actively manage.