Do you want a company that will keep the long-range investment objectives in mind or one that focuses on today and today's profit alone?     

A deal killer is a voice of reason when you are emotionally attached to a shiny object (it could be a property or a new guru course).2.

With the money they raised they bought too little real estate to achieve their investment objectives, have LENT millions to the training company, financed a couple homes (wonder who got those, I can't find where they ever disclosed - but it will come out).

Our next big objective is to eliminate our housing expenses by purchasing a triplex or fourplex using my VA benefits.

The objective is to keep as much of your operating capital intact as possible.The goal is to buy, fix, finance, and avoid leaving cash in the deal, so you always have liquidity for future projects.

It seems to me though your short term objective is to get the HOA to take immediate action on the roof.

@Greg P.Given your objectives, if you extrapolate your numbers it would take 97 rentals earning $300/month to return $350,000 per year.One thing to keep in mind is that not wanting to invest locally and self manage, you will also have significant property management expenses.  

Writing them down turns your ideas into tangible objectives you can work toward.

In any case, you can easily calculate that.Looking at your objective of retiring in Costa Rica, you have two options:1.

I would keep the carpet neutral but something easily washable cleanable.As others have said, I'd add other decorative objects like artwork.