Hello from Florence South Carolina

[Jordan M.]

Hello!

I am fairly new to the Florence area (9 months now). Just bought my first home for my wife and I in December and am now looking to expand my cash flow. 

I am an avid investor but have been disappointed with mutual funds, 401Ks, IRAs, etc. my current job does not offer any sort of retirement plan and I am looking to do what I can actively to make up for that.

 I love management (I am the Administrator for a local healthcare business) and love entrepreneurship. I have always hated the idea of working for someone. I am also interested in DIY home projects and am quite skilled in some areas.

 I have long been in love with the idea of renting but not committed. I am currently 29 with a wife of 1 year who is a teacher. We make a combined income of around $60k per year after taxes and have a debt to income ratio of around 31. This does not count bonuses we receive at work, just our flat salaries.

I am new to REI and looking to make the plunge with my first rental property. I have been reading the books and have made a list of properties with my realtor.

My biggest apprehension is the amount of debt I carry. I come from a very conservative family background that never took risky investments and always believed your primary focus should be staying out of debt, making safe investments, finding a stable job and then retiring at 55-60.

I am asking for guidance on what to look out for and would love to connect with people in my area!