I want to achieve this goal by the time I am 42 years old.I am currently seeking a mentor in this endeavor.I came to Bigger Pockets by itunes.

Charge a penalty to break lease. 

Would anyone here say thats a ok start or would holding cash and seeking a Conventional loan  be better.side note: I want to get out of renting before summer 2016 (month2month lease at moment)

Inactivity fee and prepayment penalty not applicable to Lines secured by a Texas residence.

Just looking to connect with like minded REI'ers in Pike county Pennsylvania (poconos) that have invested in or are actively seeking to invest in vacation rental properties.

An idea you might consider for your area is to attend some local REIA meetings and seek out realtors who've been there for a while - like, longer than a few months...On a more general note, there's no secret sauce or magic potion certain brokers are privy to.  

you have a great opportunity with your background, if you can do work for other investors, learn what they do, and watch their successes and failures, seek out the more seasoned folks, even if your working at a discount, it may be worth it to learn on their dime.

I am a newbie and I'm searching and seeking not only knowledge, but I'm sure I have some to give.Hope to hear from you again and soon.May you be blessed and sucessful in your investing too!

That means you will either need to sit on the sidelines from time to time and wait until buy-and-holds make more sense, be fexible and adapt your strategies to the changing market conditions (eg: transitioning from buy-and-hold to flips, and back again), or seek investments out of state.

Seek out help and advice when needed!