I also attended the auction today and still have a few properties to review and bid on ... alternatively, checking gutted houses as well for Cash deals. 

I started in Milwaukee after my company has reloacted me here from Austria and I was looking for an alternative to Wallstreet and 401k - so it was not my choice and at the time (fresh of the boat) I would have preferred a more exciting city like NY or LA.

I agree with all said above, but if it’s not the only way to gain access, use alternate means. 

I just purchased an all cash deal that I'm rehabbing and will have an ARV that I'll be able to finance and get back my initial investment (LTV 75%).  I purchased the property and fixed it up all in cash, but in order ...

from a career alternative?   

One other way to make money is to offer your home as a Lease Option to somebody that has been turned down by a Bank and not knowing their are alternatives and act  like they can pay their bills. 

I can alternately do the screening/checking but I need someone local to do the rest as I am out of town.

Alternatively you could mail it to them and pay the small charge to have a confirmation number that they have received it return to you.

As another alternative, you could sell the house, take your $500,000 excluded capital gains as your primary residence, pay your capital gains taxes (both federal and state), and buy your new property utilizing a small purchase loan or even reverse purchase mortgage to make up the difference? 

As an alternative, I am thinking about purchasing a 2 bedroom condo or similarly sized property, and splitting the cost between my girlfriend and a roommate.Should I continue renting with a roomate or should I puchase a property and rent out a room?