@Zach Schwarzmiller If i were you I would consider an upgrade sooner rather than later.

It falls more in line with what I would consider an opportunistic strategy vs. a value added strategy.

Here is some hard data from what I consider an aggressive portfolio.Prosper Notes:Total active notes: 423 Current: 406 Past due (1-30 days): 9 Past due (31+ days): 8 Payoff in progress: 0Total charged-off notes: 53Total notes paid in full: 226Total notes sold: 8Prosper Returns:Overall 8.50%2015 11.79%2014 8.98%2013 10.07%2012 10.08%2011 (Prosper Dark)2010 4.13%2009 7.79%2008 7.91%2007 1.68%2006 6.86%Lending Club Notes:Total notes 413Not Yet Issued 14Issued & Current 282In Grace Period 3Fully Paid 76Late 16 - 30 Days 2Late 31 - 120 Days 7Default 2Charged Off 27Lending Club Returns (NET Adjusted):Account 1 - 11.29%Account 2 - 7.53%You can see that Prosper has proven itself in my mind and my returns have increased as I've learned what types of buyers I prefer.

a) Avoid any unnecessary costs as a beginner b) Get a few properties under your belt first before you consider an LLC. c) Consult with a good real estate CPA (not all llc's are equal)d) happy investing !  

Beyond that you should consider an umbrella policy - it is a policy that kicks in after you have hit the limit on your primary policy.

This project won't be a consideration for at least another month, if not more, so I've got time to interview more contractors before I even consider an actual offer on the property.

If you can't find a solid RE investment, then consider an REIT if you are focused on RE diversification.

Therefore, people cannot build up the bank account to even consider an investment property. 

Consider an alternative form of investing such as HML.

The Dunedin Causeway is beautiful, but it pales in comparison to what we locals consider an actual beach.On the other hand, Clearwater Beach just to the south is in high-demand (with the price points to match), but we locals would never go there.