You might want to learn advance creative negotiation methods.I don't care where you go in the US, there are deals to be made if you know how to negotiate them.Maybe some ideas on creative methods will help you find what you are looking for.Try, Hybrid offers, delayed settlement, principal mortgages, vertical break ups, take backs, study periods, subject to public auctions, friendly joint ventures.Control and Roll is a great way to sell properties you don't own and to make fantastic profits.Charles

I've heard some people say you could got a traditional mortgage to start off, but I've also heard that people are shying away from this method (traditional mortgages are dead?).

Rental agreements, background checks etc. would be no less stringent than any other tenant who may be full-time employed (someone mentioned the risk of a student dropping out).  

Currently I have been dumping 13% of my work income (10% from me and 3% from employer) into my 401k. 

The location would probably be on the bottom of the list of importance, you need to look at other factors such as experience, quality for client service, etc.Second, as a self-employed real estate professional you should consider self-directed Solo 401k, which is much more superior to an IRA for several major reasons, you can read more on this blog post: http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/2810/blog_posts...

Amstar Construction Management Group (2013- Present) is a custom home builder and construction management consulting firm; we employ and manage the skills set of other professionals: certified contractors, specialty trade contractors, and individuals.

I'm seriously considering using the BRRR method to obtain some rentals, but before I pull the trigger, I'd like to know some of the pros/cons other BP investors have run into with this strategy?

The quit claim deed worked and we are not under construction to BRRR method.

I used two financing methods. 1.

I believe doing walk throughs with others like you have been doing Account Closedis the most effective method in learning this.