The biggest thing that I've learned is that investing is a project and the different ways to make a deal are simply tools that you can put in your tool kit.

I planned to reopen the biz but I never did :(Then my life became work and DIY!

His diy approach is inspiring as well as his savings rate.  

Be careful/selective when renting to students though...good luck.And also, thanks for your service =)@Adam K - It's certainly not without risk.

Then, I need to make yellow letters (again, unsure if I want to DIY or hire it out).

I just purchased "The Pre-Foreclosure Property Investor's Kit: How to Make Money Buying Distressed Real Estate -- Before the Public Auction"by Thomas Lucier.More book suggestions welcome.

@Kit E. 

Plus, I am a big DIY guy, but I am going to try and stay away from that as much as possible, since I work a full time job and have 4 kids to mind to.I have been reading my tail off to get started (favorite book Rich Dad Poor Dad) and now need to get going in the right direction.

I used to have a daybed, radio, portable TV, card table and chairs and a "go kit" of kitchen junk.

Lived in the fixer upper for 35k, DIY all the repairs, learned that you can survive if you have a nice house and get a roommate.