Although my formula is to keep my properties maintained well and pick good tenants, to try to get my active management as passive as possible.Do you "live the dream" and travel/vacation year round or do you focus on building your empire to ever greater heights?

A buyer without an option cost, could literally go under contract with 10 homes and pick the one that he really liked without any cost to him/her.Without an option money, a buyer could literally send out contracts on every home he sees online that looks decent, and then tie up hundreds of homes.

I know it's way too early to pick one in each category, so I'm gathering 2-3 each and keeping them on file. 

Or, the two that I have had come out, wouldn't pick up the phone after coming out.

Read books on investing in real estate, listen to the podcasts, attend webinars and stay active on the forums while connecting with other investors in your area and pick a niche.

Read books on investing in real estate, listen to the podcasts, attend webinars and stay active on the forums while connecting with other investors in your area and pick a niche.

The interaction and the connections you make in person can help you pick the right brokerage for you.

Read books on investing in real estate, listen to the podcasts, attend webinars and stay active on the forums while connecting with other investors in your area and pick a niche. 

Read books on investing in real estate, listen to the podcasts, attend webinars and stay active on the forums while connecting with other investors in your area and pick a niche.

See below.  65 Ways to find motivated sellers:http://www.flipthiswholesaler.net/65-ways-to-find-motivated-sellers/Pick a handful you like and get after it.