This is an amount that is typically say 10%, to cover situations where completed work has issues, and it is intended to motivate the contractor to correct those issues.Then there is the matter of subcontractors.

I know I know this is super cliche and I said for years that its BS....but then I joined a coaching group....and started running with people in there....Even if they are not in real estate, just being around people that are motivated to go places helps your mindset. 

I buy distressed properties or from motivated sellers.

For example, if you put more $$ down, you can achieve a better interest rate.

Not surprised at all when their suggestion was to lower my rates.....As a businessman, when you are already achieving and/or surpassing your goals, it is not time to lower prices, it is time to raise them.

You need to create big goals with milestones you achieve along the way.

im not yet into foreclosure since this process is more delicate, i rather dealing with nice houses, and seller who have motivation to sell because of divorce, or job out of state relocation, 2 mortgage payments and cet.

We have achieved our current level of income very recently, within the last few months - we were making pretty much just enough to pay our debts before that.Now that we have a bit more disposable income, I started looking around at different investment vehicles for retirement about a month ago with the goal of retiring by age 40 (in 12 years).

@Jahsad Hollman - Lots of stuff happening in the area you are looking at, and lots of motivated investors around.