Those years are sacrificed.  

Chasing property #2....Goal is to change the family tree and honor my mother that sacrificed everything to come to the USA to give us a better future.

We are very ambitious, and have been sacrificing fun, stuff, and time with family (and forget about having friends), all with the plan of me being able to be a stay at home mom when we have kids, and so my husband can retire young.

Thanks,JustinHey Justin,I'm in a pretty similar position in terms of finding an area where the numbers make sense without sacrificing the luxury of being close to the city.If convenience to Grand Central is your primary concern, heading north along one of the Metro North lines might be your best option. 

Maybe you're sacrificing quality to be in a low-income neighborhood, or you accept Section 8 or PA or whatever.

Cutting back and sacrificing was necessary to save up money to buy cash...but eventually everyone's cash will inevitably dry up, which ours did.This is when we had to look at financing.  

I'd feel uncomfortable with properties that cash flow negative, but I'm ok with sacrificing some cash on cash return (as long as it's still cash flow positive!) 

But I think if my goal is just to cover my expenses, while keeping them happy, active, and more financially secure - it's well worth sacrificing the cash flow from their unit. 

For me quality can't be sacrificed, we don't slap stuff together.

I sold much of my OREO back in 09 to 2011 seller carry.My best deals were to get 10 to 20% down and then carry the balance at 7 years NO INTEREST.. this worked well for buyer as we know you really can't get rich in RE unless you own a crap load of doors and or you own it free and clear.. most of my notes are now paid I had zero defaults when I did this.. and the buyers though sacrificing cash flow early on now own free and clear units.. that's what I call a win win