Hi Francisco,You may have already answered your own questions from this post since it was a couple weeks back, but your $1,000/month budget is going to be way too low to compete with the bigger players.  

NC is out of control now, in Bell there are 26 SFH for sale with an average of $1.5 million.    

In my experience...if it relates to an investment property, they want to lend more than $75k (at least the major players).

I have studied under many REI groups and pursued closing deals on my own, however, I found that in this area in Northern Virginia, it was difficult for me to build that trust with the big time players in this area. 

I have studied under many REI groups and pursued closing deals on my own, however, I found that in this area in Northern Virginia, it was difficult for me to build that trust with the big time players in this area.I wanted to take the matters into my own hands and BECOME THE SOURCE.

In fact tenants should never be on a term tease if a landlord wishes to remain in control of their investment.If you are happy with your present lease simply modify it to reflect M2M.

every major market has a Praxis or two at the court house steps.unlike 8 years ago or so .. when there was huge deal flow.I know in Portlandia  there are only about 6 or so players that dominate our 2 million person market.pretty tough for the one off investors to get a deal unless they pay close to retailwhich some do that are looking ofr long term buy and holds... 

In RI I had this happen,  a  pest control company had to come out and seal the house.  

The market turned quickly and it all spun out of control. 

I will attempt to decompose them and offer my opinion:Local vs Out of State: Local any day of the week ... you get full control over your investment and all the risk reducing and return boosting benefits of that.