@Sheldon Peart The bank do not use a real estate agent's opinion of the value of the property, they require an appraisal from an independent appraiser when you are getting a mortgage. 

Bidders shall independently verify all information prior to sale" ...

What is your opinion about to hire an independent  mortgage broker ?

Hire an independent company to inspect the sewer...one that's not bidding the repair work.2.

They have a tendency to be a little more independent and not necessarily follow typical federal standards at the state level. 

Like many others, I've been looking for additional avenues in which to gain financial independence so that I might have more time to spend with my growing family. 

Secondary being funds from an independent source.Sophisticated investors used a mixture of primary and secondary...

My goal is to eventually become financially independent to the point of being able to work my current job 6 months out of the year.

Places that are growing, Also, I'd do a quick few hours of digging on even zillow, and get some data points of highest ratio of average rent price/average sales price of SFH.This will get you pointed in the right direction to get independently informed...

An engineer's mind may need higher control over investment :))) let's check on the scenario of independent investing: with 40K down and conventional mortgage you could get a decent quality old duplex in the good location of Midwest.