I'm leaning towards the first house since even though there's a lot of potential work, it's a little more straight forward due to it a) currently being vacant and b) being very simple in its construction.

Convenient location will also sell.

I don't like the turbulence, but the overcrowded flights these days, with people leaning their seats back into my lap, no food service, etc. is more an issue for me.

Land Staging-The magic of accessNot providing convenient access to the proposed house site(s) on a parcel of land is like trying to show a house with the door locked.

I don't use my attorney because I'm concerned about the quality of the title search (though that's a valid reason), but more because I know my attorneys can push the closing through in about 10-14 days (whereas the seller's attorney could take up to 6 weeks), my attorneys won't charge a ridiculous amount of attorney's fees ($200 compared to the $650 the big REO firm here charges), my attorneys won't make me wait for 2 hours when the closing is running behind schedule (the big REO firm here is notorious for a packed waiting room), my attorneys can allow me to change to financing without having to sign amendments and tell the seller, and my attorneys will let me sign at my convenience (I can come to their office anytime or they'll come to me if I prefer)...So, between the cost savings (even after title insurance), the convenience, and the ability to switch to financing easily, it's really a no-brainer for me.

After doing some research I am leaning towards getting my real estate license.

On paper, these lower cost units seem so appealing that it makes it difficult to even look at more expensive ones with lower returns.On my side, Im leaning towards starting with an easier to maintain property ( prob more expensive), but as I learn more about REI, gain thicker skin, will hopefully be able to handle lower cost, higher turn-over, less appreciation etc. properties.

Of course, don't be surprised if they give you a list of things they would like taken care of.Since we're not talking time critical maintenance, I usually give my tenants 2 or 3 different times I can come over and let them choose the one that's most convenient for them.

When I first started I was leaning forward, heart pounding, and fullf fear.

That was the option most convenient for me