Worked with an investor friendly agent in Phoenix who knew the market very well and was managing his own properties.

Because that's what the best lenders will lend me on the acquisition and sometimes that's what I will get on the refinance step too...well, sometimes. 

My name is Kim Wells and I am currently living in Albany, NY.

That being said, I am still quite hesitant on taking my first step into the REI industry.

If you're not getting to that, then it's more of a LIRP (life insurance retirement plan), which has long term goals.There are a lot of companies that do well with "getting the money in" then screw up the end game with the loan provisions.If you want, I have a case study for using a policy for private lending to other people. 

I live in Delaware county and doesn't know the city well and I am sure there are experienced investors and agents who know it well and can give me direction, which is what this group is about if I recall.

Relationships can be important as well. 

Canada is different than the US for mortgages (and within Canada there are difference among the provinces as well). 

Check potential properties well, including inspections, financial checks, tenant screening, and local rules.

Seems like it's probably a fairly saturated market with slim margins, but considering it's a hobby already, might as well combine them?