My long-term REI goals are to generate enough positive cash flow to achieve financial independence. 

My long term goal is to generate a passive income through "buy and hold" investing which will enable me to invest on a full time basis.I look forward to belonging to and learning from the Bigger Pockets Community.

Christina, to maintain the integrity of this thread, I'm in favor of continuing to drill down in the original topic; use defaulted tax list(s) as a lead list to generate bargain buying opportunities prior to tax sale.My strategy has always been simple: an initial letter (or postcard) to make the owner of record aware of the situation.

It's an info-graphic on the amenities desired, by generation, of new home shoppers. 

However, I first need to generate capital.

So, as it stands now, you need to pay top dollar to get into the hot areas, but you aren't going to be able to generate any cash flow from the propert you buy, based on the current rental rates.

There are some great deals for just a few thousand that would generate income but usually is accompanied by headaches.

If I were to generate a list of leads using list source (Or if you have better recommendations) why am I targeting people with +80% in equity.

What do you think is your most effective method of lead generation?

Hence, my goals as a real estate investor would be to begin generating positive monthly cashflow through rental properties before moving on to wholesaling and in the near future, commercial real estate.