Me and my partners have started our "non-traditional" real estate investing LLC and we are looking to generate a contract for all of the deals we will make in the future.

Is there anything in particular that's actually generating leads?

I will happily pay over market value for an asset that generates the return I seek.  

These 3 homes have all taught me some really important real estate lessons.My goal as an investor is to eventually generate enough income to leave my 9-5.  

Looks like a fee generator.

I'm all for pulling the trigger on a deal if you have the cash and its going to generate the cash flow.While it may be a little high on the LTV side for what I would do, the fact remains that you were able to grow your portfolio and increase your cash flow.

I’d like to hold for the long term to generate income in retirement (20 years away) but also happy to use the income now to help put my kids through college.

In my case I have a portfolio of passive investments that generate returns, so any RE deal needs to more than beat my planned portfolio return, after tax. if it doesn't,  I'm better offkeeping the moneyin the portfolio. 

This article outlines a lot of what the young generation feels about the big MSAs.Upstate New York will be a popular option as people start telecommuting more towards the city.

When I do get one, it will need to generate some cash on normal months (e.g., after property management fees, but not taking into account maintenance).