We sold because we kept an eye on the market and discovered the the market took off shortly after we purchased the property.

My main goal is to move upward, as opposed to laterally, during this transition.I am also not historically a forum-posting type of person, but am willing to jump into new things (especially considering the marvelous resource I've recently discovered in Bigger Pockets)THANKS!

Not to be discouraging, but you need to do some more study before you dive into real estate, IMO.

I went to college (studied engineering) and graduated at 21.

I suggest studying the subject well before you plunge.

Now that I have discovered bigger pockets it has opened my eyes to more possibilities.

If you wanted to dig deeper into your states real estate laws, etc you could study your states real estate agent course for under $1000 during the summer break.

Shortly after visiting the site, I discovered the podcast and I’ve fallen in love with listening to the guys on my drive(s) to/from work (literally started from episode one and slowly creeping up on 100) and have also graduated to purchasing & reading books from “Beardy Brandon” and Josh Dorkin (UBG, Book on Rental Property Investing, Tax Strategies for the Savvy REI + sprinkled in a little Kiyosaki).Anyhow, as part of my journey as an investment property owner in the Charlotte, NC market, I am now looking to grow my team. 

Study zillows price history for area flip sales for offering at a high price... price drops, then selling at 80% of original listing. 

It will take some study and learning about real estate markets.