Our goal is to get to 40-50 houses in the next 1-2 years, and then we should be in a position for me to step away from the soul destroying place they call Corporate America. 

Every soul needs a roof over their heads, and those of us who venture into less than desirable areas to offer a decent place to live are doing a service. 

So brave souls still do them to their benefit so far.

You need to do some soul searching and determine which direction is best for your future. 

Though, when bidding on online auction properties, any work you do in advance is often futile attempt since majority of the time the reserve is never met, and will continue being re-listed until some poor unsuspecting soul pays far more than the property is worth.  

But each day is killing my soul just a little bit more than the last! 

I wish you the best, but it is time to get off the thread and do some soul searching.

A month after we finished the 3ish-yr reno, I decided to move across the country to finish school and rented my house for 2 years, and now since moving back home I have moved into it and am now living for the cost of utilities because I own it free and clear.I moved back home for my dream job, which I have since been medically disqualified from and now find myself in a soul-sucking 9-10 hr/day office job.

I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."

It's good for the soul, and it's good karma.