I have a few leads on some multi-families in rural areas of Tennessee, including a USDA-financed apartment complex, and looking to speak to someone who a.) owns properties in rural areas of TN (not Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, Clarksville, or Murfreesboro); b.) might have experience with USDA properties; and/or c.) might have tips on things to look out for in rural areas.

They have tutorials on how to use them.Combine that with likely some good content on youtube in general and you should be all set.I will note that underwriting it part art, part science. 

i have 1 property in Stamford and looked into Hartford 6+ years ago and decided not to invest there as I'm not local. 

For those who’ve been doing this for a while, what’s one tip you’d give to someone starting out?

That alone may be worth a look into if you need the write offs or just want to use what is given (that could go away in the future).Happy to have a call sometime to discuss what communities do well, including Windsor Hills (still one of my top 3) and what else you may want to consider.

You may desire to look into ways to increase your leverage and use the money for other investment opportunities.You do not state what state this is, but if it is CA the property 13 reduced property tax is only maintained if the home was the primary of the deceased and will be the primary of a child (this was the case for my brother and he is still living in the home at a tax rate that is based on a 1977 purchase plus 2% max annual increase).  

I also agree with Patrick with the idea of starting the beginning with the end in mind and assess your own risk tolerance as this will help you to narrow down what strategies may work best for you. 

You can target specific people looking to sell their home and tell them that you are an interested buyer.

Hello MJ welcome to this community.

Glad it helped!