Wise and strategic leverage has its place and is a very personal decision.  

His passion for food and people carries through all aspects of his life.

It is a good community to network and learn about all aspects of real-estate investing.

I completely agree on the insurance aspect.  

The city moving into that area is just one aspect.

A know in my experience probably the most helpful advice I have received from my mentor were attention to the small aspects of rehabs that are often overlooked.

Its ultimate control, You will control every aspect from start to finish which makes it easier to get things done in a timely matter.

Need to make sense and give some ROI, even if not so much, with the depreciation, amortization, appreciation and cash-flow, you know that a break even ROI can get you 45.73% ROI... so be sure you analyze every aspects of a deal.Please let me know if need some help. 

The most difficult aspect is cutting it.

I want at least $200 per month in cash flow that will be snowballed into early payoff.Current Resources (know what you have): $25,000 in cash for real estate investment purchases, great credit, strategic partners.What I need to do soon (identify your first steps): Accelerate saving $5,000, vet local banks, vet real estate agents, start networking increase contact with potential purchases.