All that being said, I am all ears on how to make a good investment in SoCal real estate.

Anybody in the Pittsburgh area or anywhere, my ears are open.

The alternative is wondering where it went after it's been spent. 2) You do a written budget but are not sticking to it. 3) You have an income problem and therefore are not able to pay for your basic cost of living (which includes car repair) separate from building up an emergency fund.Does any of this ring true?

Most importantly is to make sure it gets done right because an improperly installed wax ring will cost you thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in water damage.

Thanks, Earl, I appreciate it.

Keep your ears open everywhere and let people know what you do.

As I went ring shopping with my longtime girlfriend 6 months ago, I realized that I need to blaze my own path forward instead of burning in place.  3 or 4 months ago, I found BP on YouTube and I began to consume as much knowledge as I can about rental real estate to actively change my mindset. 

I am also starting out and wet behind the ears.

Best to do your research, vet tenants & keep eyes and ears open to changes in regulations, etc.

A fiance isn't a related party until the ring goes on the finger.