Also, looking for mentor and/or part-time work (15/hr month) working in RE (realty or property mgt.) office to gain some experience and make extra money/increase my down payment next year! 

You could then sell and owe no capital gains, or you could start to depreciate at the higher (assumed) value. 

I am here to gain knowledge and with that...the confidence to take the plunge in the next 3-4 months.    

Hello everyone, I am new to the site and looking to gain knowledge in investing in real estate in Alabama. 

Just closed on condo #2 with a profit of $38k (well roughly $30k after capital gains GRRR).

I'm glad my path brought me here, I'm looking forward to gaining knowledge about REI as I plan on buying my second property next year!  

Hello BP, I would like to celebrate and share my thoughts after 1000 posts and 200 votes, I have gained a lot of experience in looking inside an investor's mind, a knowledge that never occurred to me.

I would suggest learning as much as you can and looking for a part-time job where you can gain good RE-related experience.

I would like to meet and work under an experienced investor who concentrates in rental properties to gain some experience before buying my first rental property. 

Your plans will begin to materialize as you gain clarity through knowledge.All the best to you!