We were just discussing on another post how one of the newer trends is to have dark base cabinets and white or light uppers along with a light countertop.  

I have no, well minimal, delusions that I'll be turning my "C" neighborhoods in to A+ ones in the near future, but that still remains my goal.  

I've thought about buying on the high end of what I could afford (in highly desirable areas) in the hopes the property values will climb.Should I forgo financing entirely and buy something "cheap" that I can pay in cash or take a minimal mortgage on?

I think the optimal strategy will be to find cities that have good returns, maybe not the highest, but that also have minimal regulatory risks.Nashville, Charleston & Asheville are great examples of cities that have some of the highest returns, but the regulatory risk is so high that it might not be your optimal city to invest. 

If your goal is to minimize fees and have the lowest rate, I would normally advise the client to start with their current bank if they have a clean file.

Point is that you can minimize effects of a downturn and/or over saturation by having a property even marginally better than those around you.

Many of our first time investors utilize seller financing because it requires minimal downpayment for each investment property.

Passive income preferred, with minimal hands on needed.

and to understand how they fit together in your toolbox, as none will give you everything (e.g, insurance is required and it will cover you for many situations, but not always; asset protection (LLC) is litigation insurance and complements regular insurance, by minimizing the target and making it unappealing).5.

I have already established a SD IRA with a custodian.I am looking at establishing a SD solo 401k with checkbook control with a provider at lower costs.I also am looking for advice if it is smart to leave my SD IRA with a custodian and pay the higher fees or if I should roll it over to a provider to minimize cost and gain checkbook control.Thank you.