@Bobby Johnson,

Hey! Congrats on taking the first step - that’s huge. I’m seeing more and more investors start right in their own backyard, and Stonecrest/east metro Atlanta has some great pockets for long-term holds.

Since your main concern is about tenants and the overall experience, here are a few tips that might help:

* Screening is everything. Use a professional property manager or tenant screening service that checks credit, background, eviction history, and income verification. Good tenants = fewer headaches.

* Consider B-class neighborhoods with working-class tenants who tend to stay longer. These areas may not have the flashiest returns on paper, but they offer stability.

*Start small and stay local if this is your first one. You’ll learn the ropes faster and make better decisions for your next property.

If you're open to investing out of state down the line, there are strong cash-flowing markets in the Midwest and Southeast - places like Columbus GA, Ocala FL, Memphis TN, Akron/Canton OH, and parts of Alabama still offer solid properties under $250K, many of which are already renovated, tenant-ready, and professionally managed.

Always happy to talk through any options or local strategies. There’s a great community here to support you!

Best of luck!