Sadly, many throw that opportunity away and leave their IRA in some under-performing portfolio of paper assets simply because they see or hear one thing they do not like about the IRS restrictions that come with these tax-sheltered savings vehicles - such as UBTI or the prohibitions against sweat equity.  

Sadly, Rich Dad Education and Robert's books were my intro. to real estate investing. 

Sadly I think I'll be buying yet another Single Family on John's Island (new construction at least).

And sadly don't have too many connects to pass them on to. 

The suggestion (elsewhere on BP) that borrowers paying for an appraisal shows sufficient good faith also has sadly not proven true.

And take some time to find the person that is right for you - someone who has values you respect and seems to have the right balance of work / life balance for the age they are.Ask yourself if that's where you want to be at that age.If you have family in the industry, that is a good start but its likely wise to spend some time under someone else.Walk in knowing who the person is, where they studied, who their family is, some of their interests and sell them on you.Tell them how you can and will provide value to them and their business at the cost of just asking a few question, now and again, only in the safe space of an office.Think about flipping / whole selling things other then real estate for starters such as furniture or if your handy, appliances (mini-fridges).You learn handy skills that come in useful later fixing up rentals and make money.There is a market from a cheap chest of draws , minifridge or a huge fan among students.Consider churning gift cards to build credit history..Finally, be ready to see all your planning fall to apart as life tends to do that.Have a bit of extra cash stashed away to help you get though those times.PSThink what you want of your peer but stay humble, sadly no ones likes the overachiever and RE is a people game.Your clearly doing your due diligence. 

Sadly @Curt Davis has been silent here so far, hopefully an explanation will be forthcoming ASAP.

Thanks Colleen F. sadly that what it might come to be.

)As for you don't want to be in the situation where you screw up yourself or the seller... that can't be avoided sadly. 

I'm sad because I'm from there, and I always wanted to invest there.