First thing is gaining knowledge and experience in the asset class you'll be purchasing.

@Joanna Valdez just my two cents here, but I've long suspected that OKC is home to some of the lowest-class tenants I could dream up. 

Cheaper to buyThey rent for lessThey attract a lower class type of tenant (not necessarily bad)

My advice would be to focus on all 5 profit centers when buying and holding rental properties. 

You need consistent income from rents to help you stay in the game that long so you can maximize your 5 profit centers.  

I literally just finished teaching a CE class for realtors on this 15 minutes ago.The key of course is that the primary residence exemption can be available as long as you've lived in it for 2 out of the previous 5 years. 

Some investors make their living in similar areas (Class C or D type areas).

If you're looking for something more hands-on, I'd recommend first joining a mastermind group to surround yourself with like-minded individuals, then start gaining knowledge about whatever strategy and asset class you want to invest in.

I've explained my position about this in C-class long-term rentals a number of times here in the forums.1. 

I am not entirely sure how much the NY exam differs from the NJ salesperson exam, but would appreciate any insight on best way to prepare and study having not actually sat through the NY class.