There are a hundred different ways to make money in real estate, so pick and choose the ones that best suit what you're looking to learn from. 

Our market is starting to pick up, but prices are nowhere near as crazy as Austin.

If you add an additionall 23% of expenses to your report, you're still netting $198.40/month in cash flow, and you'll have recouped your initial investment of $3,090 in 15.6 months, so I'd say it's a good pick.

I picked up a lot of stuff this time.

I certainly would be vigilant when selecting someone and allowing them to live in my home with me and my kids; but you would not be the first, and if you pick right it might reinforce the family unit and teach your boys about sacrifice. 

It might be easier to pick a market and call a few property managers to ask them questions about the local market to get a better understanding of what is in demand and where, current trends etc. 4. 

How do I pick a market?

I’m now going from driving, writing down addresses and observing, to writing letters, visiting divorce courts (Weird, but it’s a strategy), and several other methods I’ve picked up to find some great deals.

@Joshua Weaver, Discouraged: I appreciate you picking up on my handicap.

If that one investor is looking to pick up multiple deals, and you serve them well, not only can you build with them, they will recommend you to other investors...