Once you are up and running successfully for a few years it will become much easier to qualify for financing for a property if you decide to buy.People say real estate is about location, location, location- but that is even more true for retail.

I had to do extensive crack repairs throughout the last house I remodeled (walls and ceilings), and the quick setting mud made it a lot easier and quicker.

If you haven't yet- be sure to setup some "Keyword Alerts" to get into conversation in your target area.Starting is always the hardest part, but you can read this to help you out: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate InvestingSeeya around!

Thanks for the feedback guys, George, my target renters are not families, it would be young professionals, young couples.

You have to research your target market.

Ticking them off will NOT make it easier to get ahead.

And find an agent n your area that is well versed in short sales to make the process easier.

The FOOD selection in the city dominates the suburbs to no end however.Once in the Suburbs getting around is far easier than in the city to be honest.

I have looked a bit in Minneapolis but trying to stay closer to home for easier access since I am looking to self manage as well.

My next favorite is tracking down owners of vacant houses and calling them.Rather than mail to a ton of prospects I tend to target a few and talk to them directly.