I started by saving up for a down payment which was 5% for the first "second home" property in 2004, then 10% on the next few. 

Many investors get their license for access to MLS and/or to save money on real estate commissions when they buy & sell.It's a good strategy, but only if you are doing VOLUME!

A nice home that may some day make a bad rental but a good primary home An exchange in to a state without state income tax to save that 10% in state income taxes.  

While I don't have experience yet, I'm currently networking to meet new people in the area and saving up for my first deal hopefully sometime next year with the help of a family member who plans to partner up.

That’s possible savings.

Forget trying to walk them through a simple repair over the phone, to avoid sending a ServiceTech and saving an owner money.

This saves me a lot of communication time as I only need to respond to inquiries with cut and paste responses with the open house day/time and I only need to show the rental twice a week. 7.

Acquired a double lot for $112k after resolving title issues and paid $360k for construction, creating a 6-bed, 5-bath house designed for co-living or multi-gen use.

There is a huge gain probably in a more efficient gas system then oil so they are already getting some cost savings. 

I am looking to progress my real estate investing career in a responsible and timely way, and it has been hard to save money for my next property while paying this much for my current property.