I love the career.. but I started pre internet I mean pre fax machine.. so things were quite different.I owned a brokerage here in Portland for many years.. and basically had about 50 agents working for me at anyone time.10 were constant producers making 100k plus of those 10 3 made over 200k and of those three 1 made over 500k. so really depends on your needs on the revenue side.. also you need at least 1 year of living expense in the bank.YOu need all of the above that was just posted.. and on top of that very good sales skills.. 

I make almost as much trading 52 week low ETFs with no hassles but I hear you on the frothy levels of broad index buying. 

The problem is that I have zero experience in real estate and have just been educating myself every day after work with books and the internet.

I felt like I was studying at random.I also found that a lot of study materials on the internet are not correct.

I am looking in a pretty broad area at this time (Salem, Woodburn, Mcminnville, Beaverton). 

That's kind of a broad request. 

Browsed internet and listings sent by realtor.

Browsed internet and listings sent by realtor.

Added expenses at the outset would be furnishings, decor, household items, linens, etcMonthly expenses would include property management, housekeeping, landlord insurance, utilities, internet/cable, lawncare, etc.Any help or advice is appreciated!

Full utilities, cable, internet, trash, snow removal, lawn service.