I have sold timber in years past and even had the sheriff seize equipment from someone illegally cutting it on my property.

I didn't even consider the shorter lease strategy as a sort of trial run.

Now, you're going to pay for that in much higher rates that you'll get in FHA or even Conventional loans, but if you're willing to bite the bullet on that to get started, then it's a great tool to use.

Also most people employed, so even if it is a struggle they can still pay the bills.

This was probably a year ago, but Before going onto their website I even called and spoke to a worker at that office who directed me to the category where I would find them… the category was filled of all kinds of irrelevant documents, thousands of them.

They even showed us a TED Talk video and asked us to write down "Before I die, I will..."

Even later than others.. 

I will do my homework on long distance REI (even tho the markets are 1-2 hours away), but have a couple questions- What are some of your key metrics/signs you use when identifying a new market?

Even the threat of court has caused some guests to pay up.

.: @Lolo Druffi'd pick a market that's easy to get to, where you can be in person - perhaps (gulp) even in California.