Susan, it is obvious that you have what it takes and I also notice some hostility on BP, not sure what brings it on, I guess we humans tend to be emotional beings, for better or worse, sometimes a little sparring gets us enthused and makes us realize who we are deep down inside in spite of it all... just my simple two cents worth, not aimed at anyone; I just happen to enjoy 99% of what I read here and would hate to lose any of the quality contributors, ego and all!

That's encouraging that you succeed regardless of the distance, or in spite of it.

Land Lording can be a challenge in some jursidictions.I doubt many places can be as difficult to own rentals as Baltimore Maryland and yet I was able to make great cash-flow in spite of difficult laws and very liberal judges.There are always ways to handle tenants like the ones in the story.... it starts with who you allow to let rent from you and continues with how well you manage and train them.Do that well and most issues will never become problems.

But when all is said and done, I do love it inspite of all the frustation.

And I figured a portfolio of cheap condos might be much more profitable than buying an apartment complex in spite of the lack of control over a portion of the expenses.But I generaly dislike the lack of control thing so I would only consider it if the deal is simply too good to refuse.

One of my favorite motivational sayings is this: The rich act in spite of fear while others allow fear to stop them.This holds true and I have seen consistently that those who allow fear to stop them, never really get ahead.If you are one of the many contemplating some type of real estate investing strategy and have been too scared to start or too fearful of taking action, then you need to realize what is stopping you.

Will I still be able to sell for 50% of the ARV after taking out the cost of repairs, in spite of the small initial price at purchase?.

In this case, it didn't.Probably one of the hardest parts of losing the consumer / employee mindset and acquiring an entrepreneurial mindset is learning to rather than avoid risk, embrace possibility in spite of risk.Great reward often only comes at great risk.

In spite of what I had after college I still felt more comfortable with the construction business.  

Ask people for deals and tell everyone that you're looking to buy houses.Then bring anything that is 65-70% ARV to your mentor and say in spite of a finders fee, you want in on the profits and you want to help with the rehab.