Nowadays I have a roster of probably 30 vendors that I can reach out to (and sometimes I blast through all my options for a particular problem).The biggest challenge is find good handymen for doing low hanging fruit (fix outlets, fix sink, change light fixture, spackle/paint).

Thus, those who engage in these activities should get a tax break on related expenses.

@Alexander Nason - it may also be worthwhile looking at a Fannie Mae Homestyle Renovation mortgage: https://www.fanniemae.com/content/fact_sheet/homes...Homestyle loans require a higher down payment for 2-4units and loan limits aren't as high as FHA in some areas, but I think this could be a better option long term if you can figure out the remaining down payment:No upfront mortgage insurance premium (1.75% on FHA)Cancelable mortgage insurance (once you reach 22% equity) We bought our 4-plex with an FHA loan and it has been incredible - 3.25% interest rate and 3.5% down on $700k would be really challenging outside of FHA, but my mortgage insurance is almost $600/mo. 

Implementing it over the course of time through a set of daily rituals is the challenging part.My strategy in a nut shell is:Mind Mapping the flowCreate a Massive Action PlanDevelop my identityBuild my brandSeller outreach using an outreach matrix and tracking resultsAttending conferencesBe in a position to close when the opportunity presents itselfWhat is your strategy or how does it differ from mine?

Challenges?

Somebody had the challenge, we had the solution How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

When your ready to expand.If you know you want to keep going and your ready for the challenges.

I don't plan on engaging an agent I did a similar (not exactly) transaction 20 years ago and recall it wasn't too hard.  

That entails both money and time, and she may not have had the opportunity to expend either within 5 days of the divorce.Were I in your shoes, I'd engage an attorney to draft the quit claim deed, inform the ex to contact the attorney's office and arrange a time for her to go sign, and that would be that. 

As far as getting your license, it CAN be a good idea, but it can also be a complicating factor that makes growing an investment portfolio more of a challenge.