I work a 2nd job at night to build up the college fund.

I’m sure in the following 23 years I would have been able to build up at least a $10M portfolio with a ton of owner financed deals and some traditionally financed properties as well given how inexpensive properties were then where I live.

You may also consider looking for lease with option to own opportunities, for the same reason; lower your down payment- then use the leasing period to build up what you need to exercise the option to purchase. 

They argue that it is my responsibility for bill because of the scale build up and sludge.

@Jared GerkeYep, what @Nicholas L. said.Easiest way to build up is to start early, house hack and not overthink it.

Attend your local REI meetups to build up a strong network and feel free to reach out and connect with everyone in the community and find a mentor doing what you want to do. 

Less Appreciation - LA in general has more appreciation and more equity buildup than Philly2.

With both of these strategies, I would look at the rehab as a way to bring up market rents so you can cash flow a bit better, and just sit on the property for a while until you can build up enough equity to cash out or sell. 

It is ideal to build up an asset as the book says but the house prince is insane in San Jose!

IG: @MattPriestJr I have properties that I rent by the room in King/Pierce/Snohomish Counties.Many pro tips.For heating, I use Nest Thermostat and "lock" the temperature on 68 degrees.