It was long enough a time period to get the business established and see if the model paid enough to cover a regular mortgage (it does).

How is the process of buying a property under these circumstances different than just purchasing a regular property?

I will say the "Crappy areas" often yield good cash flow, but you work your butt off, and have regular problems.

Since they are the one's who'll ultimately decide how far your real estate empire goes, it's a good idea to make sure you've got someone you regularly talk to there, and knows what you're trying to accomplish.  

Very simple monthly appreciation and increase in rents based on 3% for inflation and for appreciation (I know this isn't realistic, but it made the calc easier)So, for example, the SD Regular IRA would be able to purchase $600,000.00 propertybecause it has the full 300k to work with, but must use 240k for a down payment and keepthe other 60k in reserve.

Hi Jordan,You might be in a tough market.Are you trying to live in a quad for instance and use FHA for a loan or hold just as an investment with a regular loan putting 20% down??

Go through the specific numbers on every deal, and destroy every part of yourself that wants to use the "50% rule" or any other witchcraft shortcuts.Finally, on a regular basis, go to real estate networking events.  

Really, any search you'd regularly type into craigslist would make a good recipe.

(My dog, Daisy, gives me regular supervision.)How do you feel about “Hire America”?

@Michael Newhouse i read somewhere that if you use friends/family option to send money then you don't get the full protection of the regular payday transaction.