Please understand, we don't really like real estate, don't enjoy thinking about homes, and don't want our life to be consumed by worrying about properties.

Could this property actually sit vacant forever because people we can only cantact through our lawyer can’t communicate effectively with each other?

For purposes of this Act, "'[c]ommerical solicitation'" means contact by telephone, mail, or electronic mail for the purpose of selling or marketing a consumer product or service. ... ." 

If your heart is set on a SFR then your probably viewed as a consumer much more than an investor.

., consumer protection laws as well. 

@Wyatt Postal The economy has been pretty good the last view years so the 7% appreciation doesn't really surprise me but I wouldn't expect it to continue like that forever.

@Chance Stein I have been using QB for all my accounting forever, but when I looked into a payroll I found Square Payroll to fit what I needed better.

Knowing how to read a credit history report will show you the difference between a "life event" (divorce, illness, etc) and a pattern of high-leverage (spending beyond ones means) and/or poor consumer spending decisions.  

Will last forever. 

We bought this house as DIYers with plans to live here forever, but after a lot of education on investing, we are really starting to look at this house in a different light.