I definately have the REI bug and already trying to think of how to grow our empire (LOL).

We all start somewhere so the key is to build an empire based on principles that YOU are comfortable :) We don't follow the 1%, 2%, or 50% rule but we have a business plan that works best for US. 

I was speaking with a Realtor who specializes in land contracts.

West MI by Lake MI or on an inland lake or in a resort town offer great opportunities.

These are excellent reading on how to start building YOUR empire. 

A big part of that is what we'll see in inland areas," says Michael.

I've been using a SFR deal analysis spreadsheet I pulled from the FilePlace to analyze buy and hold properties within a couple of hours of Los Angeles (where I live), mainly the Inland Empire and Ventura County. 

I'll plug for Inland Capital. www.inlandcap.comThey've been very helpful with double checking my own numbers and steering me from bad deals.

Although I don't have much now, I plan to build a very big empire and have always known success would be part of my future.

He has recently gotten rid of all tenants as well because he has no interest in land-lording so the building is vacant.