I would like to start close to home as I plan to self manage the rental side of it.

I was drawn to real estate as a way of investing money I have saved up (around $130K with additional funds to leverage out of a 401K if needed), and potentially creating reliable cash flow over the next 10 years. 

I've heard of the Red Stick group although I was not aware of their monthly meet ups thanks for the insight. 

I would keep the brokerage account and focus on the tried-and-true practice of saving up for a new investment.

I found what seemed to be a great property with a house for an STR and other space that I could expand for camping/RV sites and a barn that could be converted into a venue for events. 

We had to move to SC. 

Ended up partnering with my parents 50/50 and actually was able to buy two properties the same month.

I am going to have to have my realtor make an addendum to the lease. the tenant has been paying for utilities up until this point. has anyone ever been through this?

In Spain, this is usually seen more as a barrier as people rather would invest in individual units (less purchase capacity needed), but by rethinking the setup up it matches the criteria of a multi-family deal.

Perhaps its time to up grade the entire kitchen.As for the washing machine, I would simply say to the next tenant, there is a hook up.