Another thing I've done is searched through the Homes Illustrated-type publications and found realtors who specialize in investment properties.Good luck!!

I mention the kids to illustrate that you can still be a parent and make this work.  

Here is a simple article with good illustration of this concept.https://investor.vanguard.com/retirement/savings/when-to-startHow to balance that with a desire to get into property is a challenge, because both are worthy wealth-building goals. 

I am going to give some hypothetical numbers to illustrate my question.

The fact you continually do business with ABC and continue to vouch for them as a reputable operator to mostly newbie investors, with the full knowledge of the all too numerous complaints from numerous customers, I think illustrates what kind of business you and Phil are running.

Sources: Insurance - ValuePenguin, State Property Tax Rates - Rocket Mortgage.To illustrate the impact of taxes and insurance on net rent, I compared the cost of property taxes and insurance on a $400,000 property in the three states.

Do NOT only use rent yield to do your analysis, BTW, just used above to illustrate my point.One exception for me is if I could find a SMOKIN' deal (like 50% off market price) in a good neighborhood, but even if I could find that (I can't.

All you need is a home-equity line of credit, some form of income, and a little discipline.Let me start off by saying that I'm going to be using round numbers to illustrate my point.

I'm not trying to boast, just illustrating that there are solutions out there if you have people you can trust who are willing to help you figure out your unique situation to get you started.Also, if the lender didn't mention it, they will often need an income history to consider your second job a viable source of cash. 

No, it's not true, and just illustrates why I despise 90% of real estate agents.