At some point, you have to take the training wheels off and go for it. 

I think most in this nation have fallen asleep at the wheel assuming that treasuries really are 100% guaranteed.

I realize asking on the forum may be an easier route, but why try to reinvent the wheel, if I can learn from those willing to teach and share?

At the end of those podcast they ask the person being interview for book recommendations, there is also a post on here somewhere that list all the books mentioned in each podcast.Then when you have a grasp of the type of investing you would like to do buy those books and listen to those podcast.With that being said some of my favorite are: The first is more general the others are Multifamily (can you guess what I picked after going through the podcast)Blue Ocean opportunities by Medawar Wheel Barrow of Profits By Gino BarbaroHow to create lifetime cash flow through MF properties by Rod Khleif (he ask for your email in exchange for the book).....Buying and Selling Apartment Buildings By Berges

Many start with no idea where it will specifically lead, and they end up spinning their wheels, and end up making little if any progress...and can't figure out why. 

I think natural wood is the easiest to maintain myself I would pick something durable, maybe on closeout or a discontinued line.

Never try to reinvent the wheel, there's always good models and people who are willing to help. 

I have finally decided to take off the training wheels and pursue my first deal.Property: 3 units(1) 2 bedroom, 1 bath(2) 1 bedroom, 1 bath- All units currently rented on a month to month basisThe attached calculation is based on year 2 after I move out of a unit.

We wheel and deal like that often (when I say "we" I mean my PMs. 

We drove out to the property which was very secluded, way off the beaten path, after a recent snow required 4 wheel drive to access.