Honestly, I've never read a bad real estate investing book.I wish I had started with your age and the amount of money you can set aside.

I am happily married and have two great children ages 8 and 10.

The plus is that there's no work involved, no taxes when withdrawn after age 59 1/2, no tenants calling with problems, not having to wonder if the rent payment is coming, maintenance costs, mortgage, this list is very long.

What are their ages and boys or girls?

My name is Dean Carlson, I bought my first investment property at the age of 21 and I have been a residential agent since 1997.

At age of 19 years old, i will recommend to spend time educating yourself into real estate using BP podcast, Webinar, books and Meet-up.

I am trying to get smarter in my old age and want to know if I am paying too much for these....even though they appraise at $165,000.  

Paint is an absolute nightmare to remove from brickNow, that said, I HAVE seen some brick homes painted white which have aged very well.

Our insurer is progressively adopting a policy that they will not cover water damage  caused by water heaters of 12 years of age or older.Still, the alarms work and I have avoided damage because of them.

That's better than 98% of people your age!