This is Common thinking by newbies .

I cant tell you the amount of folks I have met all over the mid west that their entire business is rentals.. its so much more common out that way given price points no appreciation to speak of and steady 700 to 800 dollar rents.. 

I hope I am able to bring value to others utilizing Bigger Pockets by assisting them in achieving their short term, and long term goals as well.I am open to any form of Real Estate investing as long as it makes "cents", and is appropriate to helping me establish the long term goal I have for my family of financial freedom.Is anyone willing to connect to start a relationship in the pioneer valley area?

I'm tech-savy and enjoy utilizing it to make things more efficient.

It'd be nice if it were the utility company's responsibility, but I'm prepared for the worst.

Questions:-should I stay away from investing in a town home due the common risks (smaller buyer pool, potential HOA issues, large competition etc)?

But, that is common with the BRRRR strateg with the increased value and mortgage.  

simply do not take anyone's word for this landlock situation.. open escrow get a title commitment and see it it is actually landlocked.. if it is your remedy in the real world. is1. getting a neighbor to grant you the proper easement you will need.2. confirm from the city or county that you can access the property from this new easement..despite common statements folks will make that no property can be landlocked.. and there are remedies this simply is not true.. properties can be landlocked... owners do it to themselves.. not common but it does happen.As for the old house.. sometimes if there is no lead or asbestos fire department will burn them down as an exercise.. ( sometimes)biggest issue in many markets now is the lead paint and Asbestos remediation during the demo.. some areas they don't car.

When looking at properties in Texas the usual factors of looking at schools, crime, places to do, and demographics are the common areas to look at.

Broadly speaking, utilizing your own IRA/401k funds, or those of certain related parties, is not allowed.There's lots of nuance and strategy that can be implemented, but these are key starting points.