We live below our means, and send extra to the principal to get it paid down quickly so we have more buying power.

Thanks for the quick reply Brie!

Another idea depending on the cash you have could be to invest big in a smaller cash flowing market and you can quickly have a larger amount of cash flow.  

@John Meirose ..are there good deals in MLS to be found or is it all off-market..Just from a quick look it appears there are MLS deals to be made.

Then all your data is available in one place, even on your phone (so helpful if you get a call on the road, you can quickly figure out who you are talking to even if they don't give you much info).

If it's priced right, calls will come in, and it will rent quick. 

It is in a good location and I've been told by local leasing agents that I shouldn't have a problem getting vacancies filled quickly there, so I'll try not to worry about that so much.

I've also used the calculators to run some quick analysis of a few multifamily rentals pulled off zillow as practice to understand the calculations.

I am retired military and I know the American Legion and VFW is typically quick to help veterans.

I'd be happy to have a quick chat on some programs if you like :)best,