Scott The Book on Flipping Houses, The Book on Estimating ReHab Costs http://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbookYou might consider Niche or Specialized Housing like student housing.

I plan on taking a small portion of my profits and doing something special to reward my wife and myself.  

I specialize in mid market real estate partnerships and trusts, as well as high net worth individuals.

You might consider Niche or Specialized Housing like student housing.

I'm currently active duty military and our niche is rental properties for military young, singles/new families (do what we know).

For example:Avg sales price of homes in area:                    $ 400,000Your offer would be 87% of $400,000:            $ 348,000Amount of debt and/or liens for clear title:       $ 250,000Subtract $250,000 from $348,000:                   $98,000Split 50/50 with homeowners:                           $49,000The homeowner walks away with cash without the debt of the home following him/herYou purchased the property at a $52,00 discount plus another $49,000 cash at closing.All you would need is a good RE Agent,and a title company that specialize in this type of deals, and of course cash and/or financing.

Any "special" emphasis I should put on one thing over another?

I'm active duty military and was stationed overseas but determined to pick up my first true investment property. 

Hi,I'm starting my real estate investment specializing in purchasing, renovating and renting residential low rise units with a flips to compliment.

I am awkward introverted engineer so no special social skills here.You know the saying where a girl can sense a "desperate guy" a mile away?