Does anyone have any contacts they wouldnt mind sharing that can add me to their buyers list?

Purchasing your first property can be nerve-racking so connecting with like minded individuals is a great start.

You can't put a price on peace of mind. 

I wrestled with trying to turn that into a short term rental in my mind several times.

Yes the rate is great but if real estate does not appreciate or goes down in the next three years would that change your mind?

Hope that helps explain the policy a bit more :) I need to stress again that I was not in the right frame of mind when I made this post.

Then it sounds like you have your mind made up then right?

And do you have a certain price range in mind and I assume you're good with up to a moderate level of rehab?

To maximize the number of transactions you’re involved in you will need to:Be Top of Mind when they think about moving - which requires consistent reminders.Be seen as an Expert – which requires a consistent message and Evidence of Success storiesGain their Trust – which requires communicating integritySo, start out by listing everyone you know in an Excel spreadsheet.

BTW you said you have a 9-5 so keep in mind you cannot double dip on the employee 401k contribution.