Want to buy properties without long gap between purchases.

[Charles S.]

I want to start investing in real estate. I have around $20,000 cash to start with. I am 37 years old now. I would like to know how I can take that $20,000 and invest it to be able to buy second, third, properties and so on. I don't want to be paying a note on a property for 10 to 15 years before I can purchase another piece of investment property. My parents have invested in rental units in the past and they were profitable but they did not really become profitable until the mortgage was paid. I'd like a way to pay those mortgages off as soon as possible. I don't mind taking the majority of the rent from the property to pay the mortgage if it will pay it off sooner, but I would like to secure enough properties that I could leave my job which pays about $2400 per month.

Is it best to invest in multi family, single family, or commercial properties and why?

Is it best to invest in forclosed, distressed, or new properties and why?

Is it realistic to do like the guys in the TV show "Flip that House" starting with $20,000? If so how can it be done?

Finally, If anyone has any good resources with information such as websites, books, etc., please give me that info also.

Thanks for your help.