I plan to post periodic updates throughout my campaign.

I hate to burst your bubble, but...fair warning, I'm approaching you with a very sharp object.1 - Your priorities are skewed2 - Setting an ultimatum of "6 months" to get your first deal, can only lead to trouble...and result in you taking the best deal (even if it's a bad deal) you come across during that time period in order to make your "deadline". 

The impossible deal came together (though technically there was a 5 day period where we had like $200k in the bank but were technically homeless since the closing got pushed to Jan 2, 2007).Tomorrow our agent will make an offer, we will see if "impossible deals" can repeat.Thanks and looking forward to meeting you.

Couldn't I pay cash for say a duplex, hold enough cash for repairs and other costs and after the seasoning period do a cash out refinance?

The estimated payback period of solar panels varies with location and cost of electricity, but a good guess is somewhere between 7 - 9 years, depending on a host of variables. 

I also raised rents on the remainder by 4-5%; so over a twelve month period I increased income by 16%.

Also, most lenders require a 6-month seasoning period before they will refi against a new appraisal.A $50k rehab is going to take much longer than 1 month. 3 to 4 at least.

The most common method of making connections is simply reaching out and asking for connections.The most successful investors are also the most efficient, and not only nail the follow up, but also take the time to really get to know and understand the ideal candidates for their next investing opportunity.Not all of us with the will and way have the means to develop a business idea to full potential.

Then over a period of the next couple months, if the unit is doing well, we start to buy pieces that will go well in that house.

On the Op Ex side, STR's are basically a micro-hotel, so even if you are off on your revenue targets you have the ability to build other efficiencies in your business model on the Op Ex side that can offset any missed revenue targets and still have a good bottom line.