But because 1) it was massively underwater, 2) I got divorced, and 3) I lost my job and didnt get another one for a while, I ended up short selling it.  

If you want massive paydown of debt and desire to have the property free and clear in 5-7 years, then work real hard to get $0 cash flow now and big cash flow later.  

Here is what it comes down to:-I'm in the market for a house-I do not want to pay nor can I afford what we want at retail value-I do qualify for a decent loan under a first time homebuyers program fixed at 5.2 percent for 20years.So, I'm really looking for some advice here.

While not big enough to outright buy homes, it's plenty big to do massive amounts of Lonnie's and the occasional Land Bank deal.

I am being modest but 100 units is a massive portfolio you're talking about what will be almost tons in gross rental income when I retire.

Own a commercial multi-tenant building in one of the smaller towns (all within 100 miles of Atlanta) which is evolving into a tourist destination and just bought an old historic hotel building there along with 3 other partners who are also somewhat experienced investors - we plan to renovate the hotel which also contains a historic restaurant, bar and retail space from a flophouse apartment building into something cool :wink: .

Taking off my investor shoes, and putting back on my retail buyer shoes...My wife and I spent 18months looking for a new home, which we finally purchased last July.And I have to say... 18months of looking at MLS pictures, most of which suck, is exhausting.

Lots of cheap houses, lots of businesses (high-tech and retail) moving into the area and not a lot of investors.

A large percentages of business are going to come in and want to make the space theirs.A few examples (from the perspective renters point of view):Think retail...

Honestly, we are thinking of submitting an offer around 300k.I have been reading up on the forums that short sales can be a massive pain in the tail because the bank has to approve etc.