I've contemplated making a blanked REI (rental based) Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Statement Spreadsheet.

I'm even contemplating starting a blog to keep everyone informed and the hold MYSELF accountable.

I know I have to make my money going in, however it seems that the market I am interested in is particularly hot right now so I am contemplating looking at the surrounding areas to find a deal where the numbers will work for me.

I've been contemplating contacting a realtor and forming a team, he finds me properties and I give him a percentage (other details will be worked out).

I'm also contemplating investing in Northwest Indiana as I'm originally from Chicago and still have family and friends in the area.

I'm contemplating building my own house with the subs we use.

I am investor looking to buy the first rental property that I do not live in, and I have been contemplating getting a real estate license.

I've done it with tax deed properties during the redemption period, but never contemplated just finding a vacant house and taking over.  

It sounds at the surface like what you should be considering is another 1031 exchange to move into those new properties you are contemplating.

I am also contemplating on taking some carpentry classes at a local trade school so I can legitimately do some of the renovation work myself, and eventually become my own licensed general contractor.