I'm gonna say $65k out of pocket is about the minimum that will get you in the door and in the multi-unit game if you're cool with that town (that town was an arbitrary pick based on what is in my recent memory).Might be a little bit of a drive to landlord from Pleasanton, but you're already doing it in Sac so you could stop by whenever landlording brings you to Sac.

@Charlie Fitzgerald  its just we have short memories.. and Appreciation tends to get targeted as anyone who would invest for appreciation is not wise..when in fact in 07 to 2010 NO model was immune from the wipe out.I look at OPUS  huge billion dollar commercial developer from Minnesota.. they build some of the premier commercial retail in PDX for 20 years.they got caught holding a ton of commercial in Phoenix and had to file BK.For me cash flow is nice but appreciation and forced appreciation is nicer and better payday.as for cash flow I like interest  and not dealing with tenants and PM's...

Also Im going off of memory here,   but I hire them as contractors paid hourly.  

So I wanted to make this post to help inspire those who are interested in real estate, and also for those who've already made it to look back and smile at the memories I'm sure they have!

Looked up everything, guess my memory was off a little.

Hello all,Just this year our family wanted to get into a rv to have some fun in the summer time and build memories.

Since you are familiar with buy and hold, I added the below links to refresh your memory while you revisit a new action plan for 2016.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/03/27/financing-options-rental-property-guide/ (financing options for rentals)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/03/06/bp-podcast-060-serge-shukhat/ (0-68 rentals in 4 years)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/01/04/how-to-rent-your-house/ (house rental guide)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property)To be more successful, you simply have to work on the other elements to progress your REI pursuit.

I just joined BP a couple months ago and I haven't even had a chance to find a local meet up yet so if anyone knows of any near Memorial or Bellaire, please let me know. 

If you're looking to get the best ROI, I'd advise you to not use your "vacation" home for personal use.If you want to create great memories and defray the cost of your dream house, then I'd advise you to buy exactly where you want to stay.

Also, if there's nothing in the record memorializing your claimed interest in the property your "partner" may be able to sell or mortgage the property without you being informed.