Instead of paying into someone else’s property, you could be using that allowance to finance your own real estate investment.In Germany, you have access to a stable market with long-term growth potential, and U.S. service members and government civilians have unique advantages here.

No need to pay big bucks for this. 

This would likely take coordination with a tenant at some point - (ie - plenty of notice to them that they must vacate in order for you to sell the property)Since your current home is free and clear -  you could do a cash out refi or take out a new mortgage on the new house to be able to buy your paren't house and pay off the mortgage.  

Or just pay your sister a finders fee for getting the deal?

I understand I'd take a pay cut being an agent for the first few years, but in exchange, I'd be learning about the market and building a network as I move towards Commercial multifamily.

If you hire someone typically they are the ones providing this information, but if someone is paying you, then yes they need this information for tax purposes.BTW - I would say your SS# has been hacked so many times and is on the black market already this is why we monitor ours through other parties or just lock it down at experian and other agencies if you are concerned about it.

I was told by a local experienced investor that insurance companies will always go cheap with paying out to contractors in the event a property needs to be rebuilt. 

Hope is a bad strategy.The only on market strategy that I think can work is paying cash/line of credit/hard money for a property that does not qualify for conventional financing.

Well that is when the lower tenant feels like paying her 20% portion of the rent of $240 per month lol!

On the other hand, I’m hesitant to simply pay down more of a property, as we don’t need the immediate cash flow.Fortunately, both my wife’s job and mine are recession-proof, which allows us to be a bit more aggressive with our investments.I’d really appreciate advice from investors who have experience with frequent moves or military service.