Then look at your time horizon for wanting out of a 2-4 unit and multiply... i.e. it's $1000/month to rent a place, or it's $500/month after you rent out the other units and you really want to be out of the 2-4 unit neighborhood in 3 years... 3 years (your time horizon) * $500 (the difference in renting vs owning) * 12 (since it's monthly) = $18,000... that means it's $18k better to buy the place.The numbers are all fictional, but the process is not.

I've tried to structure a few passive investments with 3-5 year horizons so that I have money available when I dial it back at work at that time.

I recently started my account with first horizon.

Rule # 1 - Don't do it.Rule #2 - if you have at least 10 years horizon, buy CA...

If not qualified alone and with no new prospect on the horizon, i would give notice.

In 20 years I'd like to hand the business over to one of my children and have them buy me out over the next 20 years or so.If you have a short horizon, then I'd probably focus on re-sale.

I was wondering if it is safe to broaden my horizons to out of state markets.

Each step you take reveals a new horizon.

My specialty for many years has been in short sales, REO, and customer referrals for the residential market, but looking at expanding my horizons into real estate investing.

A cash buyer also has to make an offer to this seller, if there are none on the horizon for you more it is leverage for you on getting lower price.