@Brandon TurnerThanks, those are the numbers I used (2%) at first, but thought better and decided to not account for appreciation and figured if it does appreciate, then that's a nice bonus.

That is because some portions of it were annual bonuses issued to me in the form of company stocks with a vesting schedule, which they are fully vested.

Price appreciation is just a bonus IF your rents cover debt service and expenses plus enough extra to pay a cash return on your equity invested.

Not sure if people were getting their bonus money, or why jump in during that time of year..

The friends in the area is just a bonus, albeit a small one.As far as him making money off the deals, I mean it would make sense that he does, it is just that I was under the impression that these are MLS listings that I could go out and buy myself for the same price, perhaps that's not the case.Asking this question on this forum is just part of my initial due diligence.

Having to remove an entire master bath addition that had rotted to the point it was no longer safe to be inside of the structure.Learning how to frame the new addition from a Deranged Framer who believed the aliens were coming for us and that he wanted a bonus when I sold the house since "that was customary"Firing said framer for no calling /  no showing for the second time on a Friday and even his mother could not find him.... 

Put in 42'' shaker espresso cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, new tile, painted the garage floor, painted the exterior of the house, painted interior, added a walk-in pantry, finished the attic space to give it a 3rd bedroom/bonus room, new tile in the bathroom, new vanity, and tons of landscaping.  

short sales DO take forever but its one of those things that once you get it done, you move on and work on more deals, then when the check comes in, its like a nice surprise bonus :)but you essentially run your scenario by the agent (find someone who specializes in short sales though) then the agent should be able to direct you from there.  

In edition to this I purchased the home study exam prep book from http://www.realestatecentre.biz/ which includes 4 practice exams and some bonus questions.  

My wife and I currently hold w-2 JOBS, I only work 36 hrs/wk Fri-Sun which provides me four days during the week to watch my daughter and learn about REI (bonus!).