Well, of course there are "boxes," per se, but none that would constrain you from doing what you wish to do.

If you are leery of taking the plunge without a safety net, per se, then partnering can be a nice way to get your feet wet. 

Welcome from SE Wisconsin!

L e a s e r u n n e r s .

The Apartment Association of SE Wisconsin http://www.meetup.com/Milwaukee-Apartment-Associat...I also like the facebook groups Wisconsin Landlords Unite. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1453492581536529/ Also, Brew City Real Estate Investment Meetup has many members who are landlordshttp://www.meetup.com/Brew-City-Real-Estate-Invest...

The issue is the girlfriend and I will be quitting our jobs come January and traveling abroad for 4-5 months in SE asia/ NZ, to teach CPR and basic medical training (Volunteering). 

I'm currently 27 years old and enjoy long walks on the beach.I also have somewhat of a lame sense of humor :-pIf you look at my profile you'll probably notice that I've been a member for almost a year, so I suppose I'm technically not "new" per se, but I am new to the forums and I'm making an effort to become a more active member.

Currently looking in the SE Houston area

I'm not new to real estate per se, but bigger pockets has helped me transform my mind from a passive buy and hold owner to a more long-term and strategic investor--this is my business, not just a hobby.

Would you go to court on eviction day and try to talk to pro se landlords/ property owners about selling?