New investor from Arizona finally introducing Myself

[Annie Thompson]

Hello BP community! So, I'll apologize now for the long post. Since I keep hearing the theme of the "Why" being important to success, I wanted to openly share where I'm coming from. I joined the site a few months back perusing various blog posts and the forums to see if I was ready to dive into real estate. I currently do not own any property. After watching my first BP webinar last month I took the plunge and upgraded to Pro annually (to hold my feet to the fire as @Brandon Turner put it!)

I'm currently contracted by the Dept of Veteran Affairs as a caregiver for my partner whom is a disabled veteran. After years of lack of treatment (we were one of many caught in the Phoenix VA "scandal"), severe underpayment to him, zero support and lots of paperwork, we are in a MUCH better place. We've really done a 180 turn considering all the hardships and have come a long way. That being said, I am NOT comfortable twiddling my thumbs, counting on the VA income for the rest of our lives, because, well, it's federal and I have little faith in our govt's support of vets and their families. Also, though I work hard to care for this broken sailor, it's REALLY important to me to create my own success instead of simply cashing checks. I'm not looking to go on lavish vacations, buy cars or have name brand shoes. I just want to have some independent, financial security. Unfortunately my partner is deemed unemployable due to his disability and it's tricky having an additional source of income as a caregiver that doesn't infringe on your caregiving duties, as the feds tend to frown on that.

So, here I am. Considering we have no children, are still throwing away renting like fools, and are looking for some way to supplement and eventually replace my active income, I am convinced REI is the way to go. :)

Thanks in advance for the welcome advice @Paul Timmins. Since seeing your posts to newbies, I faithfully have begun checking the HUD home listings and student housing in my areas and plan on purchasing both of J. Scott's books. It is difficult for me to attend meetups due to my location but I'm working on it. I am grateful there are not only people so graciously willing to share knowledge here but also people with the same questions, looking for the same answers, in the same boat as myself. I look forward to learning and connecting here. Thanks everyone!

-Annie

P.S. In case someone asks, YES, I am very familiar with VA loans. Currently my partner is ineligible due to student loans that accumulated when his conditions worsened and I lost my previous income after I had a death in the family. We are working on his eligible loan forgiveness however it is a long process we don't expect to be completed until the fall/end of the year. We are also unmarried so I receive no spousal benefits.