Hi Judy,Welcome to BP, this is a great website and resource for all types of real estate investing.I always recommend these 3 things to beginners:1) Do a lot of research here2) Do not spend a lot of money with coaches, it would be much better to put that money to work and learn from experience, I'm not against coaches or education, but you need to be careful as there are some that are really bad3) There are many real estate clubs out there, visit them, select your favorites and meet other investors working your area.

Actually heading there for Christmas to visit family.

So rest assured, their Christmas dinner should not be affected by the broken oven

@Michael RaymerTo learn about the self-employed solo 401k rules straight form the IRS visit the following links.

Just like others have mentioned, you are doing several site visits per month of all property types.

Seems I signed up for this sight in 2007 and haven't visited since.  

While they are they, have them vacuum the coils (if it is an older fridge with the coils on the back) and under the fridge ... and then remind the tenant they should be doing this 2-4 times per year.Alternatively, have them compile their service wish list and make a single visit to attend to it all.

I can assure you, I do a lot more than provide an address.

Most of my visits are to NJ because that's where I grew up and lived most of my life, so I figure it's easier to learn those areas that are within driving distance of NJ.  

excellent counsel here - thanks esp Julie and Jackie - I am interested in Italy to retire in, but not Venice which I do love but...frankly I would like Trieste more as a place to live/invest in.Venice has its own particular structural considerations - esp if it is near a canal / the areas that flood etc - try to visit in more than one season and also at night - sometimes places that are totally quiet and idyllic by day have horrendous noise at night.EU laws also make life difficult for living/investing!