I have been fortunate enough to stay debt free from college, I joined the military as reservist so that has helped me pay for my college a lot.

You were fortunate - congrats and thanks for sharing this story.

I was fortunate to meet someone already in the business and have been able to JV with - began last year.

Fortunately I do not have any horror stories and have not had any issues with the HOAs, they've all well managed.However, if you are new to RE investing I would not recommend starting off with condos.

I currently work full-time at a Fortune 50 company but am ready for a change.  

I know I can get a better deal (or maybe 2-3 cheaper ones) farther out am also a little nervous about buying my 1st property far from home.I am fortunate enough to have a decent job and can probably secure a similar down payment in a year from now but just want to make sure I start on the right path.Thanks for your help

Do you know anything about Jason and Global Fortune Solutions?

Learnt the hard way..In the long run you will be spending a fortune to make the property look presentable..Properties that are not taken cared of will attract tenants who don't take care of their rental.Originally posted by @Ralph Noack:So I went to look at the house the other night.

Prior to, I was and still "flip" homes for profit, I have been extremely fortunate and now have an amazing team.  

At 150K you can put in Granite countertops as @Will Barnard mentioned, that little bit and people will think you spent a fortune to fix the place up. the Kitchen probably is not that big, maybe 20' of countertop in it ?