We both learned it when I ended up having to take over and run his locksmith company, but in the end we both found better opportunities.My main question is how much money should I have saved up before I think about Real Estate investing?

The only other costs that there will be is a locksmith to come out and change the locks ($99) and I will need to hire a couple people from Labor Ready to come move all of the items out of the house.

I'd definitely send a locksmith company over to do that...if they will. 

Finally now I am financially able to pursue that ambition.I've worked in roofing, siding, building, locksmithing, had a contractors license, have a degree in engineering, and currently work in aviation.I have already read a ton of threads on this forum, and I am looking forward to learning more from all of you.Anyone in the area, or who knows this market, please feel free to contact me.Thanks!

Hi BP,I'm looking for a recommendation for a locksmith in Jax.Anyone have anyone reliable?

They've threatened to take the locks off using a locksmith if I don't give them a key.

Just coming back to update all those that offered advice on this original post....I did go down the eviction path, won the eviction hearing and, as of today, have regained possession of the property, to include having a locksmith rekey the locks.

If you are dealing with an out of state owner have them sign and notarize a 'Locksmith agreement" have the locksmith come out and let you into the home once you have received the paperwork.

If you needed a locksmith to unlock your car on the weekend, he would probably take maybe 5 mins. to do that, once he arrived. 

It’s never convenient to swap them out, I run over and have Paula my locksmith re-key the lock and then re-install it.