Things even a private investor doesn't want to trip up on but not at the center of their choices nor activities.If you have an active sales person license you need to be under a broker.

You may even need 2 different lenders to satisfy both the warrantable and non-warrantable choices best for a condo.  

When just starting out, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices and decisions.

PMI depends on your financing choices.

From other postings, it seems that using a Home (or other) Line of Credit is an extremely popular way of coming up with the deposit needed to keep investing.

., org for community garden)3. selling the land (what are ideas for doing this... land doesn't seem to be first choice for what realtors want to sell)I live in the Bay Area so have to keep this in mind as I explore options.Thanks!!!

So of the choices, which would you think I needed and also is there anyone in MD or DC you can recommend?

to be a popular place for guests and investor competition so you can do better by dominating the niche you select.  

When it comes to obtaining "financial freedom" is investing in real estate just the least worst choice?

The only choices you have are to pay off the mortgage so the insurance is not mandatory, try to find private flood insurance that is less expensive, attempt to flood proof the property or sell it.You may want to call your local government floodplain administrator, engineering or survey or drainage dept to see if there are any flood related improvements planned in your area, such as a drainage project, that may lower your flood risk.