Once you have a budget and an idea of what you can realistically save annually, then weigh your options in rei.Please remember, the market doesn't care about your timeline.

I'd buy my primary home from him but we just had different ideas of rentals.

One idea I would like to add to what they are saying is, if you are a single guy, another route would be to buy a house that has a guesthouse in the back and then rent out the main house.  

Customizing your message is going to work fine for you.This brings up an idea, perhaps BP can "certify" a Pro Account user who has been on the site for at least 12 months and has a clean record.

It's not perfect but it gives you a rough idea of the value of a remodel.

From what I can tell, there is a lite version (though no idea of the differences in version) for 197/month or 1987/year. 

@Christopher ErwinNo idea, but I would say it is most likely so.

If you wanted to get an idea of flip areas and work with an agent who understand this process, please feel free to reach out (PM).

Any good ideas on how to get between the banks and the market??

@Shawn Roys great idea to head back home and save some big time cash!