If they are lying the scam doesn't work but if they are having a brief trouble spot then the landlord can take the money when they get it before the Marshall comes out.The key is the tenant has to know you will not DELAY for any reason so their story doesn't matter.

I think Marco is spot on here, but I would also include one more ingredient.

.- Once you have your criteria and you know what you are looking for, analyze deals every day until you can immediately spot a deal when you see one (and when you do jump on it immediately, there is no time for waiting around on today's market)- Keep taking daily consistent action and always showing up and that will get you to where you eventually want to go. 

@Jay Hinrichs and @Tim Herman's points are spot on, @Tania Reuben. 

@Neal Collins is spot on. 

The sanders are very powerful and you can easily make grooves or make depressions if you stay in one spot too long. 

Do the math on the 401k for your situation, for most people having that tax savings now is a good thing and having diversity beyond RE is not unreasonable, but if your other loans are bringing in enough cash flow that you wouldn't be in a tough spot if one went vacant or the rental market turned, I don't see much point in paying those down.

.- The current median rent is $1267 which is my sweet spot.

I think @Curt Davis was spot on.  

Recently moved to upstate New York.I work at a credit union on the army post here and am considering a career move more towards mortgage originator or financial planner.I think Alaska and New York are beautiful but I dream of settling down with my family somewhere sunny down south like Florida.