I’ve listened to 50+ BiggerPockets podcasts and am currently reading Long-Distance Real Estate Investing. 

I've been reading up, learning the ropes, and now I'm here to connect, keep growing, and share the journey as I save up and get ready to start.

It would be good to read about strategies, looking at considerations on pricing the rent and any other factors.

I’ve been hearing a lot about turnkey properties — homes that are already renovated, tenant-occupied, and ready to cash flow from day one.On paper, they sound like a stress-free way to get started (especially if you’re not local), but I’ve also read mixed opinions about whether they really perform as advertised once you factor in management fees, maintenance, and long-term expenses.For those who’ve bought turnkey rentals:Did the numbers hold up after your first year or two?

I'd start with house hacking. id read set for life and rich dad poor dad to start.

Asking for loan documents and closing or escrow statements in advance and actually reading them should also be part of your process.No lender and no process is perfect, James, but bitching and moaning aren’t helpful.Why don’t you define the difference and share your process for vetting hard or private lenders, as you call them?

In addition, as a PMC we deal with nonprofessional owners that NEVER read their contracts and feel like they can do whatever they want with their property(s) :(So, PMCs need language in their contracts that protect their rights and force other professionals to also recognize those rights.One last note, unfortunately, it's not uncommon for a listing agent to try to strong-arm an existing PMC and throw them under the bus for anything & everything in their ruthless pursuit for a sales commission. 

I like this area due to the job and population growth, and specifically I'm reading that Maryville is very safe. 

BRRRR can work on Detroit Land Bank/Land Trust houses, but only if you treat them like heavy rehabs with strict compliance: read every program stipulation, confirm deed restrictions and rehab timelines, and underwrite all‑in cost with big‑ticket items first (roof, sewer, foundation, electrical, HVAC) plus contingencies and holding time; many lenders won’t finance until work is complete, so plan cash, private, or bridge funds and expect permit oversight and inspections.

They read something or get a quote on something from a guy on Facebook or craigslist and don't accept any quotes on work orders from the pm groups because they are "too expensive".