I started out investing in land in a small town just outside of Las Vegas in Clark County Nevada.

I'm designing a small 'beachy' type cottage with lots of windows / doors for maximum space feel. 

In case your building is a very small building, install a lock box in hallways, a place that is a bit protected of the weather and not being in plain view.

I own a small park and would not pay more than $10k for a home that old, and only then if it is in tremendous condition.Insurance $500/month?  

Yes, your own investments in real estate can probably do better, but if you stop putting money in the 401k, the additional after-tax cash you will have in your paycheck to redirect towards real estate will be a small fraction of what you are putting into the 401k.In this economy, very few of us work for one employer for our whole career.  

The subdivision exits to a main artery with mixed businesses (offices, small supermarket anchored plazas, chain restaurants, public transportation, etc.)A 3/2 in this area is $850.00-$950.00.Hope that answers all.

Hello All,I am interested in speaking to someone in the Knoxville area who owns one or more small apartment complex.

I came across a local developer who seemed to have a good reputation and a track record buying small to medium multi-families, doing some work refurbishing and repositioning the properties and flipping them in a couple of years.  

I am interested in passive income through rentals, and learning how I can use the 1031 exchange to trade up into small multifamily.

Good contractors can be hard to find.Here is my advice.I have had great luck finding them at our local real estate investor meet up group.I agree building supply centres can also be a good source.In my experience it is easier to find people to do a big job, rather than small ones.What I have done is formed relationships, where I give them a good big contract and in return they do the small stuff for me.I also have a couple of handyman type people on my team.They are usually doing repairs on the side, often for cash under the table.I only trust the small guys with minor stuff, maybe laying a floor, or replacing a toilet.The key is to build a solid team, do not nickel and dime them, pay them as soon as the work is done.Build a win win situation.