Option 1: Offer to the seller a Lease option on the new home until you sell your current home at which time you can exercise the option to buy the 2nd. 

It’s a great way to learn more while doing other things such as exercising, driving, etc.Get involved with a local REIA groups.

I also purchased some bank notes several years ago and got a great rate on them, right up until the bank exercised their right to re-purchase them (as per the small print) and I got hit with capital gains that year as well as scrambling to find somewhere else to put the funds.  

As someone who's trying to figure out how to get started, sometimes the negativity just enhances my own fears, which is annoying. 

If they decide to not buy the home I will exercise my option and either rent it or sell to someone else on land contract.While it's not a hugely profitable deal, it feels great to create a new cash flow from nothing.

If the tenant buyer decides to exercise their option do I exercise mine and what does that look like.  

Don't want another commute once I get here.Want neighborhood/condo/townhouse community to not have crime issues, and would be nice if it had exercise amenities (but lots of gyms nearby, so probably just as easy to join one of them)Price <$125KWill be looking to make an offer in March-AprilI appreciate any advice on neighborhoods/communities to look for that would fit some/most/all of these goals!

If so I would consider approaching the Eng Dept at a local college or University for a class exercise estimate. 

I'm running this exercise in my head and so far, I can imagine a pretty linear payoff within a certain size range.

If you are currently in a position that you feel you can do a quick fix and flip, reduce your communication barrier (client), enhance your speed and efficiency, you will have no burden of "mutual decision making," as you are very well aware, if you are the sole point of contact and decision maker, the project goes much quicker.