There are certain subcontractors that we use who contract directly for investors with a 50% deposit (much cheaper than we would be) but they are well respected, set up to get in and knock out the work (no handholding and such), giving a company such as them a 50% contract for a properly prepared contract and scope of work I don't think I would consider a risk.That being said, 50% is a large down payment, you should be comfortable and trust your contractor if you are putting this much down, every situation will be different, I'm merely saying that 50% deposit's aren't a risk if done properly and with a trustworthy partner.

It is recommended that a licensed electrician further investigate.There is a need to install one or more insulated bushings over the end of conduit OR within knockout to protect wires from sharp edges in panel.The inspector has discovered a number of three-prong, 110-volt electrical outlets in home with reversed polarity.There is no discharge pipe on the safety valve for water heating system.There is a noticeable bow/sag to interior ceiling within home AND to roof ridge.

After that I would probably do my 401k up to the match, then ROTH IRA if I was a normal w-2 person.But if I wanted to (and do) invest in RE to radically change my and my familie's future: I'd knock out the bad debt, do the 401 up to the match, then save save save while I learn about RE. 

I don't know exactly how great books are through listening by audio, but maybe if it's as engaging as reading an actual book, I could knock out more books this way.I really appreciate your advice though, I feel much more relaxed knowing that facts you provided.

My goal is to knock out some of these "gaps", one by one.

Now I put in a few big box store Nandinas, Knock Out rose bushes and pine straw.  

My major challenge is I need to do the first or second deal to just get in the game.It's a challenge I think I need to knock out just to get over never having done anything yet.Another question for you.

The main thing is to make sure they have real estate experience and just flat out ask them what are they doing to stay current of the changes in the tax laws.You might even want to hire someone who is BOTH an attorney and a CPA and knock out 2 birds with one stone.If you wish, you can go to the American Academy of Attorney-CPAs and find someone in the Dallas area who is both an attorney and a CPA.https://www.attorney-cpa.com/

If you can knock out some exterior upgrades prior to the rental increases that will go a long way to goodwill.

You could knock out the student loans in 1-2 years if you FOCUS on them.