The HVAC system was laying on its side underneath the house and moisture, flooding, humid Texas environment really did it in. 

You do not want to own property (or earn income) under the jurisdiction of a desperate & broke government unless there is a risk/return ratio that takes such an environment into consideration.

In today's current lending environment, no matter where the asset is, a line of credit on an investment property, through a conventional lender, is almost near impossible to obtain. 

Stay out of bonds in a rising rate environment, but get chunks out of mutual funds/equities for sure.I'd convert to a Roth or withdraw more during lower income years if I could.

I work in an environment that allows me to listen to music/podcasts/audiobooks during my entire shift.

It is in a downtown environment with access to pubs, highways, etc.

I’m Lizzie, I live in the Bay Area and am sipping my toes into the real estate investing world - I have a friend in Seattle who is a successful wholesaler and suggested I look into it.

Two completely different environments, both are great just depends on what you're looking for.

Over time, you may be able to assist them with something.If you prefer the classroom environment tons of Vo-Tech colleges/classes are available.Just remember, like anything in life, skills aren't learned in a day.

The reason it's attractive to do now is that there are some reasonable unsecured home improvement loan products from the MN CEE (Center for Energy and Environment) that I can use to finance the adds since we currently owner-occupy the property.