I currently live on my own (renting), and have a great job for my age with a decent amount of disposable income.

Hi @Zeb Getrost,How to get started investing should have less to do with your age and how much money you have, and more to do with why you are interested in real estate in the first place. 

If it doesn't, load up the belt sander with 100-grit,  sand the problem area again enough to take off the poly, stain the wood lightly with an oak stain (usually the best stuff for faux-aging oak will be marked "golden oak"), and poly it up again.

They can also help you make a rehab budget.In my experience, the major things that you are going to want to be aware of are:Structural or Foundation problemsTermites or other wood destroying organismsMoldType and age of wiring (knob and tube, romex, fuse box, 80 amp service, 100 amp service, 200 amp service, is it grounded properly, etc.)Condition, age, and type of plumbing (Galvanized, PVC, pex) as well as water source (city water vs well water)Type and Age of Sewer system (Clay tile sewer line, PVC sewer line, septic, etc.)Pets control issues (bed bugs, roaches, fleas, etc.)Condition of RoofCondition of MechanicalsCondition of WindowsI think those are the most concerning ones.

Are the roofs the same age?

Has anyone considered this in regards to their address lists and direct mail efforts?Addressable geo-fencing is the ability to target audiences on desktop, mobile and ConnectedTV using physical addresses. As the most ...

As an air traffic controller I have to retire at age 56, so I'm hoping to use REI to supplement my retirement income so I don't have to work past 56. 

I'm not a fan of Southern Orchards due to the age of the properties. 

(With mixed results) cash flow while leveraged was more important at age 30 than it is at age 40.

Old houses have cast iron pipers that will disintegrate (because of age and/or foundation shift).