My fiance and I are discussing marriage within the next year or so. We're also discussing beginning investing in real estate with a focus on single family flips, or multi-family buy and holds for the first few purchas...

Be sure when running the numbers you allow for vacancy (I assume 10%) and maintenance (I start with $100/mo and adjust based on the age of the property).  

Good to see you taking action on your dreams at such a young age.

Great to hear that you are getting into Real Estate investing at such a young age! 

You should also consider the age of the property.

If you enjoy it and are a good person, you will succeed and build a good name for yourself regardless of your occupation.The occupation of a realtor/agent could become obsolete with the information age that we are in.  

......Thanks for your advice.Hi Donald and Welcome to BP,The % depends on the property, current condition, and age.

Pay PMI -- if you aren't of age to withdraw from your 401k you can't avoid the penalty.

We wanted to put a timeline when we cannot touch the money, maybe five yearsWe are work colleagues and around the same age.

If you take your money out of your retirement accounts prior to reaching eligible distribution age you will be subject to a 10% penalty.