The program stipulates that you MUST stay in the home 5 years or you lose a pro rated portion of that 8k.

Been listening to bigger pockets for about a month now (literally everyday, at every moment I have spare time LoL) and am learning a lot.

I feel like i am in this awkward in the middle stage where I still need to work my corporate job, but right on the cusp to make real estate my fulltime job.   

Plus, with how much appreciation is coming to Columbus Ohio, that house will easily 2x or 3x over the next few years from all the population/job/companies developing here.Plus, Anduril just announced another 4k jobs and over 1B+ in development in Columbus Ohio along with all the companies already developing here (Intel, Google, Amazon, FB, Nationwide Childrens, etc)

For example, if the job takes 20 hours at $25/hour, you’re looking at around $800 total.Expect quotes to be significantly higher, but use your formula to negotiate.

The only time I'd say it's an okay idea is if either: The area you're investing in is expecting so much appreciation that you will easily profit off that (watch out for mortgage interest though...the appreciation needs to be higher than what you pay in that and expenses to make it profitable)You have some specific reason for wanting to do it- family ties, future home, major long-term hold, etc.Maybe I'm forgetting another one, but those two are all I have for now...

As someone who has spent a lot of time in ATX and recently moved from CLT I'd be happy to connect with you!

experience: I’m on my 3rd flipage: early 40sday job: brand and web design/development retirement savings: noneI want to learn about buy and hold to secure having SOMETHING for retirement!

This will help you understand your options and decide if it's the right time to hire a pro. 

No system is perfect, so don't waste your time chasing after the next shiny object.