To get the brain thinking during the holiday season, here are some oxymorons from a book I read once probably by Robert Kiyosaki: 1.

One of the REI books I've read said that even if you have a mortage of a million dollar against your rental properties, if you have a million in cash, it is the same as owning your investment properties clear and free.

My long term goal is to invest in single family homes in growing markets (Atlanta, Austin, Nashville are some of my interests), and hire a property manager.Question part - From everything I learned from books/podcasts/forums, I should start local and manage my own properties so I learn the business.

You might want to look into Syndication, Samuel K Freshmen has a great book.

If you want to read a scary book check out "The Creature from Jekyl Island", about the formation of the Fed.

I think you need to read some books and these forums, make or download a property spreadsheet, watch and study your local market in terms of both properties and rent rates in different areas, and ultimately decide what your long term goal is.

I guess they are viewed/maybe treated differently on their books.

It very well may be, I don't know how else to describe them, dumb, stupid, lacking of intelligent thought, sub par intelegence all are "derogatory" in some form in my book so it really doesn't matter how you slice it, I'm no genius either so I don't mean to sound like I know it all either as i cant spell to save my life.

It is possible to do it alone but just not doable with my current obligations.Mark, your (any rehabber for that matter) talent certainly isn't underestimated in my book.

I can't wait.BTW, I booked air on Friday.