I think its a lot easier to keep adding a few more SFRs until you reach the point where cashflow starts fueling your growth.

The old growth trees which appear to be impinging on the house could be viewed as a negative in terms of potential damage to the house in a wind storm and to the foundation / basement over time.How does this house's square footage stack up against the comp.'

I don't want to threaten to walk away because I did get it for a good price and it's in an area that is experiencing a lot of growth.

A lot of growth here.

But my main goal right now is to grow my portfolio..So every minute that I'm not learning, reading, networking, anylyzing deals, etc... that is just slowing down my growth process.

Louis itself, I believe there are pockets of rehab and growth happening as we speak. 

The biggest thing I look for is population growth and the most up-to-date data that I have found is on the US Census Bureau website.

So I am assuming the cities or counties are attempting to spur growth.

I am not a financial advisor.. you could use Roth IRA.. money goes in after taxes, growth and withdrawals are tax free.

Will investors chuck the state for areas with more growth potential and more certainty on property taxes and less governmental debt?