It was slow, unfulfilling, and left me feeling broke, not like someone who was doing better than 90% of households.

@Robin EdwardsYes and no...Obviously, debit cards are vulnerable at any location where you are typing in your pin number...Credit cards are still vulnerable if you using it somewhere like at a gas station and you are asked to type in your zip code.Also, many people have pin codes setup on the credit cards to withdraw cash.

When you take early distribution from an IRA you will have to pay penalties and the amount you take will be considered income so you will have to pay ordinary income tax on it.Roth contributions can come out tax-free, but the earnings will be taxed and penalized also.https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/what-if-i-withdraw-mo...

I was just wondering if I other people felt like things have slowed down or If I'm just not being patient enough.

Tough market for cash slow, but appreciation good in certain towns including mine---high costs, though.

(see below)https://www.wsj.com/articles/invitation-homes-prices-ipo-at-20-a-share-1485901804I see a market like Dallas slowing down. 

I want to get started, but I want it to speed up my investing ability, not slow it down.

At worst, that could slow down price appreciation, but I don't see prices falling any time soon.And that opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it!

This is a very slow time of year to be looking for rentals.

Or will it be a slow and steady pace, and best if we start with BRRR deals?