Generally speaking there are two types of markets: linear and cyclical.In short, you want to focus on markets with strong economic fundamentals, particularly employment and job growth potential.

I actually employ lots of different tools in my real estate portfolio and love hearing all sorts of new ideas and perspectives...the ones I agree with and the ones I don't.

Currently I am self-employed flipping houses using investors for my funding but it is not working out the way I planned.

True Story:A former employer recently e-mailed me with details of a situation that I find quite disturbing.

@Dave FosterYeah, I would bet you're gonna be just fine, employment-wise, Dave. 

I do all my own work as I'm not otherwise employed but even if you can't or don't want to quit your job, it's possible to find a good team to do the work for you; most importantly, you need to know everything there is about the projects they will be doing for you so you can price out the rehab and don't get ripped off.

I come here in hopes of getting more opinions on if I have my head on right or not and what tweaks need to be made.I will start by saying that I would like to be self-employed by 30 and when my first child does come in my 30s I will want (unceasingly) the desire to be a stay at home parent.

I can now see how I would employ a different strategy based on the dictates of each market.  

Talk to your bank, if you have experience in construction you shouldn't have a problem, if you don't employ a contractor and you work for/with them.

Firstly, we directly employ near 35 people.