(Surf BiggerPockets, write down questions I have and research them on the web, read credible and updated books by successful investors, join local real estate communities or groups, attend seminars, find a mentor, etc.)Learn how to read the market, how to choose the best location, how to spot a good deal and a bad deal, how to find contractors, building inspectors, find out more things I need to learn!

It may be true that the guy with the 4 duplexes will have to scramble if things go wrong, but that's more a feature of overextension than it is an indictment of the multiple property system.

Assuming that's close to the right numbers (and if you think i'm crazy, please say so), have other investors in Baltimore found central A/C to be a key feature, and provide a return on investment in cashflow and/or resale worth the upfront cost?  

If a salient feature of real estate investing is being able to actively influence your investments, why is completely delegating everything to a company the only way to outsource any of the burden of managing a property?

Teresa, I have attended similar seminars that have this same type of doom and gloom mentality, and while I do believe that because disclosures will potentially, and initially more than likely will, slow things down with the mandatory 3 days to present to buyers and for them to sign off on them, I do not believe that ultimately 30-day closings for non-cash buyers will be a thing of the past.  

But before I begin, I wanted to share with you some real estate investing philosophy that I will freely admit I've stolen from a stock trading seminar I studied a few years ago. 

This is one of my favorite features of Bigger Pockets especially for asking specific questions.

If you are unfamiliar with design features in this price point in your coastal area of FL, might I suggest you hire a consultant or designer (make sure the designer is an investor at at minimum, investor experienced as many designers love to pick expensive name brand stuff that you could easily make the same look at half the price).Hattie's list is good and outdoor kitchens are a must in coastal areas like yours and mine.

Even in a small market like Montana, there is always another deal down the street to analyze.In SFR sales, you're always selling features like a view, a gourmet kitchen, a garden bath, walk-in closets, etc.

Hm I'm studying Buildium's accounting features.