An average client is not a certified plumber, electrician, or mechanic.

Confirm that the provider has experience with the particular investments in which you intend to invest your retirement funds as you very likely will have questions in terms of the mechanics (e.g. how do you invest in real estate, etc.).4.

That’s why I’m here, I’m looking for a better way and real estate looks like the path a mechanic can take to no longer being a mechanic.Right now I am figuring out what strategy I want to focus on.

@Jason Merchey For more details, check out title 37, chapter 22 of the SC State law: http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t37c022.php (emphasis added):(30) "Mortgage loan" means a loan made to a natural person primarily for personal, family, or household use, primarily secured by a mortgage, deed of trust, or other security interest on residential real property or security interest arising under an installment sales contract or equivalent security interest against the borrower's dwelling and: (i) located in South Carolina, (ii) negotiated, offered, or otherwise transacted within this State, in whole or in part, or (iii) made or extended within this State.By definition, you didn't "make a mortgage loan" in the context of the legislation.

It costs them nothing to fix it and you have a year warranty so you’re not getting a mechanical discount. 

@Brandon Brown you have either done a boat load of research or have background in mechanicals! 

I plan on handling most of the cosmetic updates and mechanical repairs, to a point.

Don't drive a new car to town; we have some of the best body and mechanics in Texas - in chop shops.Ah, just kidding. 

As someone who went to college and then got into real estate shortly thereafter, I think an emphasis on communication and accounting would be what I would recommend to focus on.  

I just graduated from college in June with a degree in mechanical engineering, but I've found that my true passion and interest is in real estate.