Perhaps I can take a second look at what I can really afford and make a smart go at it.I've got time, and I understand that patience is key to making a smart decision.

How far away from your primary residence would you go at most?

You did have to have some form of ag going on, but often a few goats was sufficient.I think Tim and Rick are referring to conservation easements.

Curious if there's any place you'd direct me to get started, like a good book to educate me to begin this process.I'm very conservative financially and I've watched so many people here in So Cal get caught up in speculation with the housing market, so I tend to go at a snail's pace with my money.

Bank would probably let them go at $30k each. 1 is owned by an owner occupant who bought at $99k owner financed and intends to stay.I still run the HOA from my past ownership and could dissolve it and cut costs to lower that side of the monthly expense but the age of the buildings and tenants make it a deal that I'm very hesitant to get back into.

I always seem to get "man seeking goat" responses...er..wait...maybe that was another ad I posted...

You may be right that just doing the financing side is the way to go, at least while I am too busy to be involved.J, the part that I am struggling with is taking 2 transactions and melding them into one.

I have seen people get in and out of real estate investing on the first property.If you still want to go at it on your own then use this site and the folks on it as a safety net.

I firmly believe this job and my little JR business are my stepping stones into the investment world and hope to go at it full time by the end of this year.I am in Orange County.

We have cattle and goats.