But also @Linda D. makes an extremely good point, in the mean time, stay extremely engaged in surrounding yourself with like minded REI individuals as this will continually remind you and motivate you to stay accountable to your WHY you are doing this. 

Also, the seller is an older gentleman, if something were to happen to him how is the contract continued?  

Obviously since then value has only shifted further in favor of solar pv, not to mention solar pv cost continuing to decrease.

My plan right now to reach that first goal is to flip, work PT or full time jobs, and continue to build up enough of a cash reserve to place a down payment on a few rentals.

Combined they provide about 1K after payments, taxes, insurance, etc.One is valued at $270k (owe 171k) the other value $110k (owe 57k)  I would like to get the equity and continue to build out further assets. 

I think the best course of action is to continue to look for reasonably-priced listings on the MLS (usually need a lot of work!)

This would come down $40k off of his asking price and I would need to count on continued appreciation to ensure a return at the end of the day.My goal with these units is to keep one as a long-term rental and renovate + sell the other. 

I'm assuming the following should all be in the name of the LLC and not me as an individual: -contract with property manager-insurance policy on house-any utilities I continue to pay for (so, for instance, checks to the gardeners / pool guy should come from the LLC) Anything else I might be forgetting?

My prediction is as interest rates and prices continue to rise, we are going to see people assuming loans more often. 

Since Columbus has had some growth with recent year and forecasted to have continued growth, I am looking at purchasing here in the near future.