I really like the Arlington area (near the new Amazon HQ), the Falls Church or Fairfax/Merrifield area.Anyone have any suggestions or agents they have used that are helpful and patient with newbies?

It helps to have someone that is responsive and patient as you learn+ After having gone through this process, purchasing a property is not as daunting as it seems from the outside looking in.Read, save $, prepare for the opportunity Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

If you want more of a safety margin you might want more.  

We are ok with the neighborhood regarding safety and everything.

In addition it clarifies you may evict ONLY under a handful or circumstances such as illegal activates in the property, severe damage to property, tenant presenting immediate threat to safety of other tenants such as domestic abuse situations, and when the property owner or family have a housing emergency requiring their need to reoccupy the property. 

Codes have changed over the years so it may not even be to current code and you may not pass a safety inspection. - Electrical - this is a big one.  

My biggest piece of advice today would be to be patient.  

(I do have a full time desk job still) I tried to be more "sales" person, but I am really not a sales person either.Now, I am in a state of "be patient, don't rush, learn, understand, listen". 

I would like to hold onto my cash as a safety net atleast some of it. 

Buyers and sellers still need to move, and the industry is looking for new ways to accommodate both the needs ofthe transaction and, of course, the safety of everyone.Many traditional real estate activities can be performed virtually.