I guess it might come between either that or take a distribution of the original contribution amount to my ROTH (and I understand that for first-time homebuyers we can take out $10k each without penalty) I think I'm gonna go ahead and get that second property under contract and sweat the details later.

But don't spend your money, spend your mind, your sweat equity, your legwork, etc.

I don't mind the sweat equity but need to learn the math of real estate investing in the Columbus area.

I learned a lot through blood, sweat, tears and sheer determination to overcome the obstacles and push through anything.If I Were Starting Today:  Here Is What I Would Do Differently:Some keys to success don't change, and you always have to stick to the fundamentals, However, if I were starting over today knowing what I know now, there are a lot of things I would do differently, here are some: I'd set up a spreadsheet that analyzed every foreclosure, expired listing and highly seasoned listing.  

Jump in buddy, having money for direct mail is great...but if you dont have it, you are going to have to work hard with some sweat marketing.

My mortgages are dropping like flies and I can tell you I don't sweat an extra few hundred a month in available cash flow.

So don't sweat the small stuff of choosing the most fabulous paint color.

Don't sweat it, Jim.

If is great to start out with a house that you get for a great deal that just needs some cosmetics and build sweat equity.

You provide the capital and he/she provides the sweat equity.