New to real estate investing: section 8 guidance

[Lance Williams]

So I'm completely new to real estate and after almost a year of researching I've decided section 8 is the route I want to go. I live in Nashville, TN, but I am looking to purchase a property in Birmingham, AL to rent out. I have capital to make a purchase but I don't know anyone with experience in this industry. What are some tips I can use to help me on this specific journey and is there any way for me to find a mentor or someone who can help guide me in the right direction?

[Tom S.]

@Lance Williams  Congrats on starting out!  I have a few Section 8 tenants and generally it has been a good experience.  The money is guaranteed (at that most of it, usually the tenant has to pay a small portion).

I've found the tenants to be slightly more high maintenance and a bit tougher on the property.  No damage, but messy. 

I used to rent to college students and found it to be somewhat the same: usually guaranteed income (parents would pay) but messy with beer cans all over the yard.