That's an ENORMOUS amount of trust to put into a stranger.  

There's just too much local knowledge that doesn't lend itself to automation, meaning that those who rely on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor and other online resources, etc, just won't get the same level of service that they will from someone with boots on the ground.I spend an enormous amount of time talking clients OUT of properties. 

Yes, low fixed rate mortgages can leverage your wealth enormously, but as you acquire reconveyances and satisfaction of mortgages, the only good debt is a retired one.

Granted, my navy career has not done much to prepare me for this moment, other than grant me an enormous amount of patience. 

Taxes, insurance, and property management are easily determined the age of the building and any deferred maintenance can make an enormous difference in profit.

Having a rough idea of what the debt terms will be will be ENORMOUSLY helpful when you do find that property because you can act fast because you know you have the financing in place and know your numbers.

There is ENORMOUS money to be made is creating notes with whatever is left of our retirement funds (by the way I've bought and sold 3 properties using a self-directed IRA- another overlooked subject).

@Anthony Garvey - I’m returning to the industry as an investor, but I see it as an ENORMOUS help to having your wife as a your “in-house” Realtor.Remember, you’re not selling houses.

@Oscar MontealegreCongratulations Oscar, Cali has an enormous growth potential in the coming years, and it has been under the shadow from Bogotá, Medellin and even Cartagena which by the way I totally agree is (overpriced) I think Cali Is growing in a sustainable way that doesn’t create that bubble feeling like Medellin, based in a steady growing population of young professionals with great Universities, lot of shopping and super active night live.

First, the amount of time required is enormous.