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.

Thanks for the encouragement but working without a property manager is not by design.

I would encourage you in this direction, let the manager do their job, tenant placement and ongoing management, with the caveat that you want to review and have 100% veto power over any tenant that they recommend for your property.