Debating how to best make the transition and incorporate REI into my plan.  

I have been fortunate enough to profit from all of the personal real estate transitions I have done.

It is not a transitional neighborhood and will not be one for a long time.

I've had tenants occupying it since 2009 and I about break even on the property.My goals for investing are to do as much as I can part time, and hopefully, one day...soon, I can transition into it full time.  

Then if the one is successful, the other can transition over.  

I will have the opportunity to knock off a couple mortgages early in order to provide extra cashflow for my transition. 

We're a state that closes with attorneys, rather than a title company, so you'll need to have an attorney comfortable with contract assignments (or you'll need transitional funding for double closes). 

I've been involved in the insurance claims industry for some time now as well as working to transition to REI full time.  

Bellingham is unique in that many more people rent than own, likely due to the transitional nature of the town.

As a former "lurker," I know that feeling of transitioning to participating in the community.