Hello Tom,As a painting contractor and RRP certified for safe lead prep and with many old homes under our belt as well as a landlord of old homes I can say you are proceeding in the right direction. 

Good way to learn about real estate and get some aspect of the industry under your belt.

Thanks @George Blower wow that's more complicated than I thought.

One more thing, I am not sure if you are using the lender you're using because you have a previous relationship with them, but with my lender the down payment for an investment can be as low as 15% (and I don't have any other investment properties under my belt or stellar credit).

I have several flips under my belt and it's time to acquire some rentals, and this deal looks appealing. 

I’m trying to keep away from the rust belt.

Currently I have a 5-unit commercial apartment building and a multi-use commercial property under my belt that I also self-manage.

Hello all,Just want to introduce myself to my local Illinois investors, I am an investor myself with 2 deals under my belt and working on a third one. 

@Cameron Eaton I have dabbled in note investing (one performing note under my belt) but changed my strategy to rentals. 

@George Blower Thanks!