@Ryan Moore the subscription based MS office is a little different than a cloud based solution.

. - I agree with you that purchasing rentals now is another great solution which we are also doing (mainly in the name of supplementing retirement though).  

You have to be careful to not go too low on the gallons per minute- saving money on water doesn't make sense if your residents aren't happy with their shower pressure.

It's an option that can be used to get into the business, but if you should do it can only be determined by you and your husband, possibly with the help of a CPA or similar professional. 20-45k is generally enough to get started, depending on what you're getting into and where you are.If you are going to be risking your primary residence with a HELOC, my suggestion is that you make sure you could handle the possibility of that money going into a failing investment and getting lost.

I'm a SD resident entering the game and buying two SFH's in the KC, MO suburbs and am looking for recommendations on local (San Diego) CPAs that specialize in REI, and specifically have a knowledgeset for investors with holdings outside California.In addition, as someone starting out with their first holdings, any recommendations on things to specifically knock out right off the bat with my new CPA would be much appreciated!

I know 18% is safe in Texas and Oklahoma.The dodd frank rules that only apply to homeowners or people buying for their primary residence, not investors, are alot stricter than the usury laws from the state itself.

I think you have to call it a vacation home because it has to be your primary or secondary home if it is a Single family residence.  

One of my biggest problems, outside of finding funds for a down payment, is figuring out how to get around occupying the residence for the first year.

Haven't found a perfect solution but one with lots of good reports for investors is Propertyware.  

By the way, I'm a New York City resident whom invests in Cleveland.