I'm not a fan of condos, and would prefer the potential cash flow situation in a 2-4 plex in Austin.

I'm a big fan of using leverage to build out a portfolio and then letting tenants buy you 75-80% of those properties.

@Tim HoffmanI am a big fan of the Roth IRA and the Roth SDIRA!

Beyond the easily visible and predictable flooring/repainting/cleaning/landscaping costs, figure that you will have more than one discovery of other important issues - the water heater needs to be replaced, the garbage disposal seizes up, the rain gutters are broken, some internal wiring is messed up and a light doesn't work, a bathroom fan starts making lots of noise after its run for a few minutes, a water main breaks..Make sure you have a cash cushion - or line of credit (credit card in a pinch) which you can use to address unexpected costs, some of which can be pricey.  

Personally I am no fan of white, more dark red / cherry for me.

I have sold many homes up in Temecula/Murrieta area and am a big fan. 

I'm a big fan of MIRR since it allows you to specify reinvestment return rate and finance rate. 

@Andrew Schrader I dont think a bathroom fan moves enough air to make a difference.

Not a fan of Craigslist.  

I'm not a fan of security systems because they waste time for first responders.