There are so many resources in the real estate market today to find and buy investment properties, how do you know which is the best?  I can’t speak to any other states, but I will give you my (probably biased) opinion on how to find investment properties in Minnesota.

1. Initially, spend time figuring out what type of investment property you want to own.  Are you more comfortable with single family homes or do you like more traditional duplexes and 4-plexes? 
2. Read my August 9th post about “Where Should I buy Investment Property?”
3. Drive around the neighborhoods that you would like to own property in.  Make sure you feel comfortable with the area both for safety and for the confidence that you understand the market.
4. Use the Internet to familiarize yourself with investment property prices in the neighborhood you have chosen.  My website (http://www.mnirea.com/) has an excellent MLS Search capability for Minnesota investment properties.
5. After you have done your homework and feel comfortable with your selection of neighborhoods and property types, contact a Realtor that specializes in working with investment property buyers.  Most residential real estate agents do not work with investment property on a regular basis.  This is a special area of expertise and experience (just like general practitioner doctors don’t often do brain surgery).  Additonally, Realtors are traditionally paid by the seller of the property.  Therefore, you are able to use a Realtor to help you find the properties that you want for FREE. 

Give me a call if you want to discuss your options further.