Surrounding your self with like mind individuals, is the key to success.

I am not connected to them so I can't tag them here, but have seen many great posts and hopefully they have key words linked to Grand Rapids, MI and will see this thread to provide more insight. 

I am strongly considering starting my career as a mortgage consultant to learn applicable skills that will teach me about that part of the real estate investing industry while building relationships with many key players that will help with my business.

Hard work, good education in real estate and the ability to make offers daily is the key that you need to be the successful investor you want to be!

For example, you set up key word alerts. http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts

Which turn-key cmpanies have you used nationwide and how were your experiences?

I am both a realtor and turn-key provider. 

Fill in the foundation below.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere Check out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.

What I meant, though, is if you're going to incur the expense of PM, do you look for any key aspects of a deal e.g. property taxes being low, how much below market a property is, new electrical, plumbing, roof etc. that may ease the blow?

Fill in the foundation below.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere Check out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.