We buy both locally and pure out of state.

We invest through two methods, pure rentals, and personals turned rentals.

You can buy a second home for 10% down, but pure investment properties are looking at 25% to 30% down. 

My husband moves alot for work (active duty navy) so we buy personals that we turn into rentals and pure rental (rentals from day one).

I would echo @Adam Bartomeo - the podcasts are pure gold. 

This analysis also excludes the appreciation gains over time which I look at purely as the icing on the cake.

Thank you.Yes as fast as possible is always what you want.This number will vary a ton depending on the scope of work involved.Generally around here I would say ideal is 6-8 weeks for anything above pure cosmetics.  

Owner occupied, or pure rental?  

Granted there are very few pure plays either way; investments with no work or jobs with no investment but by primarily putting your money instead of yourself up for work you free your time up for other things.

The pure pain of the first couple would be done for.