@Joshua Stepanov, I like to be as diverse as possible and not "put all of my eggs in one basket".

Especially since here in San Antonio the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission's building bonanza wrapped up and many of the city's 2010 jobs announcements are bearing fruit.

Maybe I am just lazy, but in this market, there is so much low hanging fruit, it is crazy to spend too much time digging on one deal.

Wholesaling here has not been very fruitful for many people due to a combination of factors.

If you are not losing money on your other house, I would keep it as another basket.

I cannot imagine paying $30,000 more than a property is worth.I subscribe to the "Lower Hanging Fruit" theory.

In year 3 I was still struggling but I bought 2 more properties that needed work and by the end of that year we finally started seeing the fruits of our labor.As long as your committed to this Real Estate game your wife will see that and everything will work out...if your patient. 

There are also some excellent opportunities within the areas surrounding Central Sacramento that can be much more fruitful in yielding a stronger return while limiting the upfront investment. 

I am sure I will learn along the way but it would be nice to have someone trustworthy and experienced to hand hold me through my first transaction at the beginning.Regarding retirement account I do not feel comfortable putting all eggs in one basket for now.

I've switched to marketing directly to sellers, which has been more fruitful.