So, I wouldn't spend all you have just to get your first deal, unless you can be confident you can do what @Heather Wilkerson did - or it will be your only deal.Can you split the difference - are there markets within driving distance that would allow you not to consume all your funds, but still supervise your team (agent, property manager, contractor, etc.?)

Does anyone think the main issue can be higher interest rates will drive inflation up and devalue our cash making property a much more safer bet?

We also make it very important to explain to them what we do, why we do it and we also bring them to the properties from doing our driving for dollars to due Diligence. 

If you really want to obtain long term financial freedom doing something meaningful, then think long term.  

It can be as simple as driving by and looking at the yard or a comprehensive assessment of everything inside the unit.

I’m currently in search of my first property I’ve been looking for a duplex but I’m having a hard time finding one I’ve been consistently looking on the MLS, Facebook, Craigslist and driving for dollars.

I am out of the country but not that far out. 90 mins drive to the boarder..

Columbus has the best appreciation statistics in the state. 3.5 Hour Drive from Detroit. 

Really the number of out of state investors getting into the market here the past 3 years or so is driving up the prices of the multi units in particular.

We didn't have any meet-ups in my area so I attended the next closes one in Spokane which is about a 2 hour drive from my place.