Once I accomplish that, I plan to move outside, posibly Florida and the property in NYC will finance both itself and the second property which will be much more affordable.

Historically, I've been investing in low income, inexpensive houses because they're affordable enough that I can buy them with regularity and they provide strong cash flow.  

Ken T. 

I'd love to get going with something, most likely outside CA (I don't think I can afford / finance anything here) as soon as possible.

Now they are looking at mobile homes since they are more affordable but banks don't like to lend on those either in most cases unless they are very new and in a certain condition.Right now, I've got three homes - 2 are marketed and one is getting fixed up.

I see the day coming when you can't afford to manage a small portfolio of rental properties.The tough part for me has been getting maintenance done for little stuff.

Divorce, neither could afford it on our own, bought at the top of the market, couldn't sell.     

@Al FernandezI don t think it is the state trying to protect just any lien claimant. 

Then there are a handful of affordable properties but I would be paying half the mortgage and thats not what im looking for as of right now. 

I have talked to enough sellers who said they tried to list their house and the agent wanted them to make too many repairs that they could not afford.