We agree that partially owning this asset may not lead to wise management and decision-making over time.

Sellers pay their property taxes, and any liens or judgements - unless other wise negotiated.  

I’m just not sure about qualifying income wise since we just bought this other property.   

It can be done, but if you want to use RE to retire in such a short time, you need to do nothing but Real Estate 24/7 basically.As @Henry Clark so wisely said, be prepared to think way outside the box, and consider changes like moving, less kid sports etc.

@James Wise

@Ryan Holtz the Midwest offers many cities that will lead to cashflow on a purchase with 20-2% down.The challenge is YOU understanding the differences between Class A, B & C, so you invest wisely and your expectations are met.You'll probably want to target Class B or C for cashflow, but make SURE you understand the pro & con differences.

Does any one have experience with direct mail marketing companies like Wise Pelican, ReminderMedia or Mailchimp?

Over the years I've worked with brokers that would figure out 6 different ways to do a deal and then we'd compare them all against what the specific goal for the deal is.Mike I felt I didn’t need a broker for a simple cash out refinance but when you look at the bigger picture of the eventual purchase and go backwards to the cash out refi maybe it’s wise to use one. 

.: Are you expecting the California government to use taxpayer funds wisely, the same government that spends $42,000 per homeless person?

While no one can predict the future with certainty, if rates are expected to rise significantly in the coming months, it might be wise to lock in the rate now to secure a lower rate.