and even though rei is a much more stable investment vehicle HANDS DOWN over the stock market, equity or value in a home can fluctuate with the market - what it's worth today, could be worth LESS in the future.

My lease has some highlighted items such as; notification about renter's insurance, notification about no businessesin home, no overnight guests in home, no non-registered motor vehicles, no working on vehicles, no parking in driveway, no smoking etc.I always do a walk through with the tenants and seller prior to closing.

However, if you were wanting to stay in a bubble area and invest, real estate might might not be the vehicle of choice at this point in time.

Went to DMV ( dept of motor vehicles) and they cannot find title to deactivate home.

now, mortgage vehicles and different mortgage companies provide investors unique loans to accomplish their investment goals.as far as gov't money or "free money" - visit the HUD site and good luck.

I make a very good income (about $2k surplus per month) and we have little debt ($17k on two vehicles and $5k on a credit card).

Also, would the vehicle you drive make a difference?

Operating expenses include taxes, insurance, paid management, maintenance, office supplies, advertising, legal fees, court costs, fuel for your vehicle (or mileage), some vehicle expenses, some education expenses (possibly depending on your business situation), etc.

Operating expenses also include management (whether you do it or not), maintenance, advertising, vacancy allowance, office supplies, legal fees, evictions, court costs, utilities paid by the owner, lawsuits, fuel for your vehicle (going to and from you rental), damage caused by tenants in excess of the security deposit, etc, etc, etc.

Also, in areas that have a high probability of positive cash flow, you often sacrifice being in a highly appreciating market.So, if you are only focused on positive cash flow, you will be paying the IRS a good chunk of your money, and you will be short changing yourself on appreciation.According to this book, appreciation is the best vehicle for wealth building in REI.