We have a budget for $100 for eating out - we only eat out fancy once a month (Ted's type fancy, not Ruth Chris) and we don't binge on TV or movies, etc.As far as the rentals go, we have bought well by buying properties that are on transportation lines in up and coming areas that are in the process of revitalizing.  

I mean really getting to know the neighborhood demographics, what draws people to the area, jobs, transportation, family members, etc. 

Far and away is it feasible for me to transport this furniture, which is why it's been in my garage and trying to sell it.Anyone have suggestions on this quandary of mine?

This could mean living there for some time and learning anything from the public transportation to the grocery stores nearby. 

Since then I have started a small side gig buying and selling raw land as a way to remove myself from my career in the transportation industry.

NYC has done pretty well for itself and the Bay certainly has a possibility to end up like that, but one could also argue that the Bay and even SF in general has a lot more to do to make transportation as efficient as over there.I'm kind of rambling and going off topic, but basically I guess what I'm trying to say is: a seller's market does not guarantee that the price will go down any time soon, nor does it guarantee that price wouldn't crash any time soon.  

So my advice - aggressively save $, once you have 20% for a duplex, find a good deal where you can add value that will have a stable occupancy (by a university, public transportation, etc.)Just my 2 cents.

I work in the Transportation Industry.

Trucking is a cost to consider too... the further away from the plant, the higher the transportation cost.5) As noted in #3, lumber is a low margin commodity... takeoffs take a lot of time and there is little reward for a rep.  

Richard and Sergio, It's closer to lower Eagle Hill Central (very close to public transportation).