I am working as a consultant part-time so I have the ability to set aside time each day for research, meetings, etc.I don't necessarily need a lot of cash flow on the front end but would like to "get the ball rolling" to start building equity.Any advice on how to get started is greatly appreciated, thanks!

Call the utility company, share your nightmare with them, and ask for the historical usage needed by your insurance adjuster. 

But I will have to replace them b/f the next set of tenants.I feel I should get replacement cost for these cabinets and the sink/countertop. 

Mishandling a foreclosure can set you up for a litigation.

We deployed thousands and thousands of our capital to a specific borrower that met very specific guidelines as set forth in our credit policy manual.

@Theo Seng, "real estate investing" has no set definition, so everyone is answering based on various personal paradigms and assumptions.Like others said, is it possible?

Let me know if you would like me to connect you to some lenders up here.As for owner financing, at the end of the day the owner sets the terms he wants, but as was laid out above, there may always be a way to find common ground to make it work.

Austin (where I live) has not been attractive for some time now, as the inventory is still overpriced and sellers are slow to adjust pricing - which I understand.Houston on the other hand has numerous areas that are still a value from an investment perspective.

Welcome to the site @Kristen Bahbahani It's great to have you here.Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/m...Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/a...Read Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/r...Check out BP Money Podcast: https://www.biggerpockets.com/..Wishing you the best!

When someone loses their job, gets divorced etc, section 8 will pay up to 100% (if not already at 100%) of the rent and can adjust it pretty quickly.