I will start a search for a solid #2 and #3 but now it'll be fueled with my own research and not just solely word of mouth.

If you could make it technically a 4-unit, you would have a better chance of selling.Took the words right out of my mouth!!

I state that because that situation left a sour taste in my mouth to the point where I want to put in the work to financial free and not have to work for someone else but I’m not sure if I actually need a job in order to do this.

don't give up wholeselling is great, we all do not have a silver spoon in our mouths. there is $$ out therelet's go get it.

You already know they aren't going to buy that house since another offer will be accepted before they finish getting preapproved (or even finding their tax returns), but they don't know that, and that isn't the point even if the poorly planning FTHB doesn't know it... the point is to talk to them, point out EVERY SINGLE flaw in the house so they see that you're on their team, show your value, and make sure you mention to them that most of your business is based on word of mouth referrals, please keep you in mind when your friends are talking about buying/selling, here's a few business cards.

I won't bad mouth people publicly but I will tell you the truth over the phone if I know them. 

Couldn't be happier. 

I kept my mouth shut and let the pro do his thing, and got quoted double what I was expecting. 

Shop around, maybe a local bank will give you happier news.good luck!

word of mouth How did you finance this deal?