Cash on hand saved from a job or other investments?

Cash out refi for the repairs and rehab and save for rental down payment?

We are looking to buy a house of our own and she asked for some time to save, so in the meantime, I was going to take some of my extra savings from sharing rent to start investing on my own.However, from day one, living in the house has been a nightmare. 

Josh whats the cost savings for the master LLC with branches?   

I will have around $30k in savings and I can find properties anywhere from $50-150k in my area. 

Don't die while living there.If you are willing to buy in like Leechburg, Kittaning, etc, you can save on property taxes.You'll still pay taxes in NC, as well as PA, for any earned income on your NC properties, but being a RE lawyer, I'm sure you know all about these issues.Obviously, living in Colorado, I don't follow any Pittsburgh REIA groups out there.

If you ask me, I would save up more before starting.

My husband and I are relatively new to Real Estate Investing and are seeking to grow a portfolio of cash flowing properties in order to  achieve financial freedom and ultimately support our desire to serve as missionaries.  

As you can see, all those cost savings that people keep telling you about quickly evaporate.

There's no savings to be gained by working directly with the seller's agent.