Now there are some expensive repairs that the house needs: DETERIORATED LEAD BASED PAINT ; EVIDENCE OF MOLD ; REPLACE HEAT PUMP ; REPAIR PLUMBING ; REPAIR HVAC DUCTWORK ; REPAIR SIGNIFICANT CRACKS IN FOUNDATION ; CORRECT GROUND GRADE TO PREVENT WATER INFILTRATION ; REPAIR FRONT PORCH STEPS ; REPAIR WINDOW Just wondering if this would even be worth considering.

At this rate, it will take me 7 or 10 years to make $100.00 per door at 4% appreciation and debt reduction...

I have some leads on a couple rental properties that are for sale by owner.

One thing about birddogging: Even if you don't have much money, and think the only way to break into REI is through birdogging, you may find that when you start marketing for motivated sellers, which costs money too, and they start calling you, it may be difficult to just give those leads away to the investors for a small fee.

Decide for yourself what kind of lifestyle it is you want to lead and what style of investing will serve you the best.

One last thought, plan on hiring (at a minimum) one full time, well qualified "lead" person, and (for a variety of reasons) one part-to-full time (and much lesser qualified) "helper".

I have been looking for short sale leads from a foreclosure lists website.

This is doable because we have no debt.

Now, if the investor defaults, the lender must attempt to collect the debt from the original owner.You should do your homework on this one before you add it to your investment portfolio as it can be quite complicated and considerably more risky.

Readers of this thread may want to check out the link at http://www.hsainsider.com/Individual/Benefits.aspx as they claim to be a leading authority on Health Savings Accounts.In answer to Brian, yes you do have to have a HDHP (high deductible health plan) to setup the HSA.