I learned that if you have a ROTH IRA, you can remove all the money you contributed without penalty and without being taxed on it as income as long as you don't remove any of the interest that has been earned on it...

@Robert Davis IIIOut of state is a great thing, if you live in California :-)It is defiantly doable, I know many people who have their entire RE portfolio out of state or out of country...Now , with all that said , if this is your first RE investment then for sure you have to visit the area, and get the local insight, plan your trip ahead and have everything lined up:Several "potential" properties that you would consider investing in, tour them real good and grade them for yourself ..When you visit these subject properties make sure to blend in as much as possible with locals , neighbors, mail man and everyone in town that will be happy to discuss and contribute REAL local insight ... at this point I would not take advice from anyone that is talking from position...

Unfortunately real estate alone doesn't offer a ton of opportunities either in a traditional planning sense (i.e. not talking about 1031s, property managment companies, etc.)With active trades or businesses many times we can advocate for large retirement contributions into 401ks or SEPs which can save a bunch in taxes.

What's the truth about tax implications of one investing strategy over another.And what strategies are actually viable and contribute to wealth that people can actually realize.

Whats up everybody,Just wanted to introduce myself my name is Christopher Gamboa, born and raised in El Paso and just recently moved back about a year ago to contribute to the growth of this amazing city. 

Doesn’t need to be your cash getting the deals.But my advice would be to spend this time learning, watching, contributing wherever you can and connecting with other investors.

@Valerie RogersNow let me ask you:-What about the hotel lobby which is paying politicians hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions to protect their interests? 

I came across BiggerPockets just reading about RE investing online and I absolutely love all the information on here and all the content that the members contribute to.

That more than replaces the contribution we don't ever make anymore.

While they will be involved as much as possible, their primary contribution is the connection to unusually great financing (through family and family friends).