I go all electric with them, the savings vs. the liability of gas is never worth it in a home that small in my opinion.I've started using hotel style air conditioning/heat in wall units, they are very efficient for small spaces, economical.

Put your first house under contract, in whatever manner is appropriate for the investing style you've chosen. 

Nothing teaches you more than getting your feet wet...

So think of this as a 3,000 SF, craftsman-style house. 4 beds, 4 baths.

I try to use those opportunities to teach and to expand my own knowledge of the subject.

LOL and no I don't have any interest in managing agents.. been there done that  with 3 past brokerages.what you want is to find the cheapest NO frills agency that just charges you a modest monthly fee.. since your going to try to do investor style real estate .. unless of course you change directions.also do interview with some commercial brokers... its a long long apprenticeship in commercial but if you make it at that business you will be quite wealthy 20 years from now.. that I can promise.if I had brokerage only to do all over I would have gone the commercial route.. selling 5 to 100 million dollar deals and dealing with the ultra successful..

For just 2999.99, I'll teach you all about the super secret craigs-list-option strategy.

No credit or capital, you need more knowledge to apply management skills and no guru is going to teach you the real knowledge to success, in this area, they sell hopes and dreams.

I like modern style, but it doesn't go with the this house.

I have a ranch style house with a concrete slab foundation.