You can check out citi-data.com and plug in the zip codes for the areas you want to evaluate. 

Maybe more so focus on getting promoted in any department that you work to where you manage people under you and then those skills will translate into managing tenants and employees as your own business grows.

Much like a W-2 is issued for an employee, a 1099 is sent to an independent contractor.

I personally wouldn't recommend draining your savings to get into a deal, but you have to evaluate your own risk tolerance.    

I'm trying to come up with my criteria on evaluating locations at the moment.

The key for us has been to evaluate the job and also the transient nature of the area.

So, the best thing you can do is really shore up your evaluation by making certain the price you are asking can be justified by the comps.If the price is right, there are a few things I can recommend.  

I got hooked listening on the webinars and constantly get side tracked evaluating deals that are found on the MLS and on biggerpockets.

Russell,  I can't use my foggy lenses to evaluate single stocks.   

@Lyn HeronWhen evaluating the Charleston area, be very mindful of the characteristics of individual neighborhoods.