Thanks to all for the advice and encouragement. 

I'd appreciate any advice and/or encouragement you might be able to provide to get me headed in the right direction ... or at least some direction period.Thanks in advance!

This is helpful, although not particularly encouraging.

The others who have replied are correct, but I will offer some encouragement.

My father in-law has been a very big real estate investor for many years and always had encouraged me to invest.

I typically will want to see that person partnered with someone who has experience in this type of investment.I want to encourage you to seek out mentors and wise investors who have gone before you who have gained experience through the school of hard knocks in investing in real estate.

So I'd encourage you to read as much as you can hear but also bear in mind you can certainly will shorten your learning curve by having a personalized coach or even a mentor.

Ned Carey Thanks for the encouraging words.

I would encourage you to read through the forums... leverage versus free and clear properties has been discussed at length in these forums.

Thank you for the advice and the encouragement.