Networking in real estate investing is vital so don’t be daunted and go to the events!

There's a saying: "Statistics are like bikinis: What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital."

There's nothing stopping you from optioning the house in change for money that you spend to make vital repairs and at least keep code enforcement and others from pursuing.

It would be nice to be able to have the best of both worlds - like somehow find a way to inexpensively put accessory apt in basement and rent it out as such, and then when we are ready to move, do a few quick modifications and have that theater room set up...

Some I've just ended up giving the owner advice and suggested they short sell or do a loan modification, because it didn't make sense for me to buy it with their numbers.  

In 2013, after a few loan modifications, I finally completed a deed in lieu on that 6 unit building. 

These are vital in the case you ever have to retrieve the asset through judicial/non judicial sale.

No UT has plenty of growth, colleges are booming in attendance, economy is strong and the vitality is still high, imo.

Primarily access to the MLS is a vital tool.Good luck - Ned

4 more years of vitality in the stock before entering into the new 18 year bull cycle in 2018.