These goals should drive all your investment decisions.

For duplex/land deals, check out county auctions and drive neighborhoods for off-market gems.

I'm trying to get a feel on who drives the decision on lodging for these crews. 

I admire your drive and push to keep growing.

Even if it's a bit of a drive that means you can still go and visit your property. 

And if you get one renter that is annoying but doesn't do anything to specifically break the lease, he/she might drive off all your good tenants at the same time.

Focus on sourcing off-market deals through proven channels: drive for dollars, pull niche lists (vacant, probate, pre-foreclosure), and connect with people that can bring you deals or make connections for you like bird dogs.

Homes that appeal to our target tenant segment range from $350,000 to $475,000, so the supply of housing we target remains almost the same regardless of how many new homes are built.DemandPopulation growth drives housing demand and price and rent increases.

Where I have hit a brick wall is, there aren't any investment opportunities locally (within one hour driving from me).

Building the reputation of really knowing credit and coming through in the clutch drives traffic.