Read a few books on real estate investing to learn the power of leverage.

do not use a line of credit for a down payment. 

I’m mainly focused on the ATL/GA region but am open to exploring other cities too.A little about why I'm here: I’m an engineer by day and a real estate enthusiast by night.

He strongly discouraged adding a backwater preventer bc he said he's seen it make things worse.

It sounds like you’ve been doing some serious groundwork with all the reading and research, which is such a strong start to your journey toward FI and retiring by 55.It’s awesome that you’re exploring real estate as an option, even if you’re not completely sold on being a landlord yet.

You lose because there are many other suckers out there falling for the same line and sharing the same low-quality leads that don't translate into sales.Do the math.

I could be wrong or out of line, but I feel like this is a field where you really need some good expertise/experience to know how to address the variety of crazy situations that will come up.

Do you know what you are doing based on actual practical hands on experience?

Clean water, air, peace and sunshine are nature's remedies and in over-abundance on the Oregon Coast. 

Solid area, home just went on the market.