We have a beautiful (and really quite ridiculous) house, two nice older cars, we eat out occasionally, just took a vacation to Costa Rica, etc.

Sites like realtor.com, Zillow and Truila also receive data from the MLS's but in my experience there can be time lags and occasionally flat out incorrect information.

I now have about $4000 start up CASH to work with, and the ONLY monkey to whip now is getting thru these lending requirements put on us hardworking HONEST consumers by the bloated whales down @ Nosebleed national bank and trust!!

Then rent it out for market rates.Chances are that if you can absorb the cost of the occasional repair like a water heater through your regular income, in 15 years you're going to have a nice net worth gain over what you would have done if you didn't jump into real estate.If it was much more dangerous than that, everyone would be losing their houses.Opinions?

Not saying I don't have the occasional day when I do dream of quitting it but for the most part I get to earn a steady paycheck while ploughing money into my investments (property and otherwise).

I'm a single mom of 2 young kids so can't risk being one of the occasional realtors that gets murdered.  

One option that crosses my mind very occasionally is to move into an up/down duplex with an FHA loan and rent my current primary...

I think that occasional meet ups like that definitely helps all of us contact on a more personal level and builds a stronger networkTo all who could not make it, I look forward to seeing you at future meet ups.

I pay online for just about everything else, and only write actual checks to pay taxes, the occasional contractor, and to refund security deposits.  

As mentioned, some brokers allow you a "freebie" when you occasionally sell your primary residence.