You will need precise communication and a list of specific property criteria in order to feel comfortable with your investment. 

Investing in real estate has increased in popularity over the past 8 years becoming a popular investment vehicle, the art of buying to rent really became a broad market approach shortly after the 2008 housing crisis.

I would suggest giving an address or cross streets if you want to get a more precise answer. 

But the city of Niagara Falls as a whole is extremely economically depressed and has many boarded up houses, broken windows, vehicle theft, gang violence in this area.

From all the books i have read real estate is an incredible vehicle for building wealth and financial freedom. 

I struggle back and forth with the following options:Payoff both vehicles in a little less than a year, which would give us an extra $850/month to invest. 

I was a little latter turning my attention to real estate than you are, but it is a good vehicle towards independence - leaving you more time to explore those things that taunt your interest.

We use USAA for our rentals - get multiple property and vehicle discounts.

Those applicants would be turned away at the Housing Authority.Non-violent felonies, like your 3rd DWI and felonies involving a vehicle accident are another matter.

The SEC has a summary of it here.The last thing I'll mention, though not on the precise point of RECF liquidity, is that there are some good folks out there volunteering their time to push for new legislation like the Main Street Growth Act, which would create venture exchanges.