My gut tells me one town with really good schools ( > 7 on Zillow) is a better value for getting stable long term renters and retaining/increasing value than a town with lower value schools.  

I'm not that familiar with cheap HD products, but I installed 5-10 battery interconnected without wires, it was client provided materials.

Designing a plan, visiting stores and selecting materials, and planning a remodel gets me in a zone where time does not exist and my days blur together.

Either way, if I am building wealth primarily in my 401(k) and perhaps in home equity, I am doing it way wrong IF I aspire to financial freedom at an age materially younger than traditional retirement age.If I were a typical American, interested in early financial freedom, I might well contribute to a 401(k), take the match, and defer my taxes.

I also drive a 1996 GMC 1/2 ton pickup, which is full of materials and tools. 

You still retain all financial risk.

Also, as I am STILL very new to this, any recommended learning material such as good articles, books, etc. pertaining to my situation would be appreciated immensely.

Any resources that you think are particularly helpful in the skills-gaining department (besides the materials available on BP)?

He's retained by title companies to clean up "cloudy" title work so the close can happen. ]Do everything as an "entity" and not personally.

Apparently, my mulch retained so much moister that the potatoes decomposed.This year was different.