New member from San Diego

[Aaron L.]

Hi- My name is Aaron Little and I'm in the "education" phase of real estate. I am a full time educator, husband and father of 4. I was lucky enough to buy when the bubble burst in San Diego and now own a good home with 200k of equity, or at least that is what my bank keeps telling me with those refinance letters they like to send asking me to take money out! Anyways, with a stay at home wife, at least for the next few years, I am interested in a few things... 1. Improve our nest egg (right now, it's very small due to the fact that we have 4 small kids and 1 income) and 2. Put into place some passive income for the retirement years. As I'm writing out my goals and how to get there, I feel that my initial focus is to do a few flips over the course of several years and build up enough money to eventually invest in some buy and hold properties, thus paving the way to accomplishing goal #2. What I am hoping to get out of BP is some advice for an "average joe" that is a hard worker and is willing to learn and who also has a full time job. I'm not looking to get rich quick, although I still play the lotto occassionally, but I am looking for some realistic advice on how to get my toe in the door and start working toward my two goals. Thanks to everyone in advance for any advice, tidbits or willingness to sit down and have a cup of coffee and share your knowledge.