I have done BRRRRs in Milwaukee for a decade+ and if I am not on the job 2-3 times a week, things go sub-optimal.

During the time deployed (last 4 yrs), I rented the home.  

They have allowed me to quit my job as an Engineer. 

The holidays are a magical time, full of family gatherings, laughter, and... real estate deals?

I would protect myself and cut my losses so I was not looking over my shoulder or getting high blood pressure every time I heard a knock on the door (hoping it is not the FBI showing up to ask you some questions). 

If you are setting aside funds for capex, taxes, insurance, or other expenses that don't occur monthly, transfer those funds to Savings each month and hold them there until it's time to spend them.

Quote from @Matt McNabb: I'm a solid $400k/yr job in NYC and have $250k to begin investing as my first step into building a portfolio, although I don't have time to be a landlord so I have to account for management fees.  

I'm in Rogers Park, Chicago. I have several people interested in being my roommate. So far, I have two people who seem they could good tenants. I did find them on Craigslist though.My mom has one property in Romeovill...

I just graduated college this past semester and I’m working in construction full time now.

If so, it's a good idea to start mapping out both the rehab and refi portions.