We also have three kids living in roughly 1500 sq ft.

Many people start in the city or West Allis and moved to Tosa (or burbs) once married with kids starting school. 

A couple of years later I get to see that person every week for a drug screen so that they can get their kids back from the state. 

For passing on wealth to future generations the best method is to buy and hold and let the kids inherit.

Here's more on what can be happening and more legal action you can explore:  http://www.bayhousingwire.com/...Hope this helps...and please know that I'm seething that you have to go through this. 

Possibilities are endless.... housing, a farm, sell the timber, trailer park, subdivide and re-sell, explore/mine resources,  hold and sell later... 

I want to explore and learn as much as I can before I officially jump in.

The kids and I are home all day, so I'll have to think about the possible annoyances. 

.* Explore the commercial properties route - where they look more at your downpayment + ability of the property to service the debt, rather than your W2.* Do the house under your wife's name (if she still has a W2)The first 2 options will either mean high rates or high amount of funds down.

I'm normally on the other side of these deals and exploring a new set of deals where I'll buy and take on other investors who want to get into the deal.