He must have spent gobs of time and money every year maintaining the books and the structure. 

That group is made to help first time investors build systems to get off the ground.

One of my applicants showed up with little credit but no defaults, no evictions, and only traffic violations and verified income high enough to cover well over 3 times the rent and I accepted the tenant despite there being some signs.He paid the rent in time for the most part until a few weeks ago when he stopped and I could not get ahold of him.

I also spent a lot of time networking with other investors and professionals to get advice and tips.

You'll most likely have to do it multiple times.

I appreciate your time.

While I am not in San Diego, I spent some time out there last summer (Ocean Beach) and loved it!

First time buyer loan with 11% down.

I think RI will continue to appreciate and over time as you(tenants) pay down the mortgage creating more equity.

I'm totally with you on using real estate to give yourself the freedom to travel :) We love Birmingham as a market - we analyze thousands of on-market properties every day for investors around the country (also in the pursuit of giving time back!)