It can sometimes be inspiring, or at least illuminating...GOOD BONESby Maggie SmithLife is short, though I keep this from my children.Life is short, and I’ve shortened mine in a thousand delicious, ill-advised ways,a thousand deliciously ill-advised ways I’ll keep from my children.

They may be better for appreciation and for a family with small children, though ... lot's of advantages and great options available for owner occupants to consider.

They are inspiring!

I am 23 years old, married with two children, and my goal is to aquire enough buy and hold rental properties to provide my family financial independence.  

I am just looking to get started as well, and your story so far is very inspiring for me!

Often times distressed sales are facilitated by a family member.I'm in the middle of a deal right now where the children of the property owner are the decision makers due to the health of the owners.Ultimately, the questions about motivation are the same and your first objected is to view the property...

A Rollin shower is less valuable to a family with children (larger market I'd say) than the tub that was removed.

"Get good grades to get into a good college to get a good job and raise good children that get good grades to get into a good college to get a good job and raise good..." 

i would recommend if you have not yet looked at the free training course here on BP up in the education tab also digging into the tons of free helpful information in the forums to answer almost any question, podcasts are also chock full of inspiring and information packed experiences. best of luck with your adventures in REI  im sure many people look forward to seeing your success story on your first deal armed with knowledge.  

My sister on one hand just wanted money; whereas me and my mother have the same goals - which is to build and build and build so that we have an abundant amount of wealth to pass on to my children.