Ultimately I'm looking to build out a strong portfolio of passive income generating properties.  

Cost of contractors has certainly gone up.As far as the local economy, it's strong and diversified.  

Everyone is talking about the coming housing correction but I think Seattle has very strong fundamentals that it will be able to weather the storm quite well. 

I hear what you are saying, but for me , being invested in Index Funds, as well as RE, has done well for me and is pretty balanced.I hope and pray 2019 is a nice strong year for all of us!

I've never been to any of the groups here so very excited to get get things going strong right away.

You have your entire future ahead of you - set a strong foundation and you will be successful! 

Save and buy your second property.I'd also advise to buy in locations where rental market will always be strong, not dependent on one type of employer or industry. 

For legal, insurance and any other related purposes, I believe your attorney would strongly suggest you either let the lease go M2M, or replace the existing lease with your new lease (in your name or your company name), but do not create and execute an extension on someone else's lease.Most leases contain language that turns a long-term lease into a M2M upon expiration.

Below is a timeline that i follow which fits most of the guidelines and as property owner we would have very strong case to build anytime . 

What I would like to gain from this post is to build a strong relationship with a REA that is familiar with the SHU area.