But I'm definitely leaning heavily towards renting for a while while doing my diligence.On my Sonoma property, highest and best use would be something light commercial like a tasting room.

Networking and leaning builds your net worth.

@Joe Splitrock I am certainly leaning towards gas for personal reasons (I have to live there for at least a year!)

I personally would lean more towards Shawnee if I was in your position because it seems like the upside potential in that market is higher.

If the oil industry was booming, I'd lean toward a lot of people staying.  

If you have the W-2 income to lean on early for qualification, it will help you build the portfolio to the point that you can gradually transition into full-time REI without hurting your financing.

I was always leaning towards franchisees that have a larger portfolio (presuming they know what they are doing and higher likelihood of success).  

I lean on our fellow colleagues hard and they seem to never let me down.  

I am leaning towards Brokerage account because I definitely want to be able to put some of my money into mutual fund for short periods of time.

Im looking at both but leaning towards multi - duplex to start out.