mike S is correct ...motivation is the biggest piece of the marketing strategy

I love hearing about the unlimited puzzle pieces of strategies, tools, and challenges that make up each individual investor's path.

There are a number of different ways to fund deals, much like there are a number of chess pieces, each have their own way of moving, pluses and minuses of use, and ways to combine them with others.  

You will probably have to write your own thoughts on a piece of paper as well as the pros and cons of both scenarios.

See what is available locally as you can often get a deal from a counter top company that might have a piece that fits your needs at a good savings (possibly ordered for a job and then returned or a broken slab that can be cut to fit your job).

Now, as someone that has invested out of state for many years the most critical piece of the equation to me is where is your trusted network of advisors?

All the pieces to making a successful business.https://www.biggerpockets.com/...If you want to know more, let's connect so I can better help.

This BiggerPockets YouTube video with Brandon Turner may help you with the analysis piece:

My biggest piece of advice is however poor you've been living in college...

I'll use your example but the first piece of advice I can give you, which has helped me greatly, is - make sure you have a great CPA who UNDERSTANDS REAL ESTATE.