One strategy that worked for them was to look for a partner or investor who could help fund the initial purchase.

Hey Investors, I am interested in pursuing a career in investment real estate and I am looking to provide investors in eastern MA with value: market your properties, landscaping anything that I can do to help.

Any advice from active RE investors would be appreciated.

Are there any neighborhoods which folks would recommend for a passive, newbie, out-of-state investor, to invest in ? 

I work with out of state investors from CA in the Reno Tahoe, NV area.

Written by attorney investors, it's full of practical advice about the management of investment property, has sample forms that can be edited, and - most importantly - tells you what your primary state laws are and where you can read them.

As an investor, I understand there are remodeling budgets that must be met for remodeling, and labor costs can be high.

The vast majority of investors do not grow massive portfolios, so keeping it at a handful of roofs is pretty typical and just fine.

Anyone familiar with the neighborhood who can give an out of state investor an honest answer?

I write this as a career RE investor for 2 reasons: 1) Inexperienced investors might find a tidbit or two, and 2) that experienced investors might point me toward what is next for me.I bought my first rental property when I was 18.