[emphasis added.]This is threatening criminal prosecution for a civil contract matter, when there wasn't even a contract in place! 

I am partnering with a professional team focused on navigating foreclosures and short sales with an emphasis on preserving people's credit.  

I think it's something that is going to be much more common in the increasingly globalized workforce.

@Max James What my husband, @Darrin Carey has forgotten about is McSwain Pro - emphasis on PRO, because their retail locations will charge you an arm and a leg.

(my emphasis)http://www.com.ohio.gov/Documents/real_newsletterSpring2014.pdfSecond, I earlier detailed the disciplinary actions here: http://lawcarson.com/2014/08/more-fines-for-unlicensed-activity-in-ohio/

In an exchange, the IRC clearly places the emphasis on your INTENT to hold for rental or investment purposes.

I live in New York City- local prices are insaneI have a full time job with a Global corporation and make a decent livingI have a wife & kid- live in a rental apartmentI have fair credit which is steadily improvingI have 12k savedSo, my initial step could be:Invest in TurnKey Single family home through Memphis Invest (I like them and have spoken to their reps- but am open to other out of state investment options) - This requires 30k initial investment so, we are talking a year and a half more of savingGet a partner to do above quicker but give up 50% of cash flowFind a Subject Too, Lease Option or Rent to Own property in my area for myself, use the 12k for a down payment to the owner/leaser and take over ownership with a bank mortgage of my own in 12-18 months.  

I have a college graduation in business with an emphasis in real estate,  I graduted and go my baker license in 1980.  

(Emphasis mine.) 

My neighborhood shows a very high crime rate on the stats, but I feel very comfortable living here, so I'm not sure I'd put too much emphasis on the crime info.You might want to check out Al Williamson on this site and my member blog: http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/4445-collecting..., since I am also renting in a C class low income area.I'd also strongly recommend reading Buy and Hold Forever to see the other side of the coin.There are ways to verify the rent coming in, but be sure to plan for 10% to go out in turnover costs, which you may be able to mitigate in a nicer neighborhood.