I enjoyed the information in the movie but I was very let down by the fact that they never acknowledged the fact that subprime mortgages were pushed on the American people under the tired guise of racial and minority discrimination. 

So I thought how can I become my own boss doing something I would enjoy and not feel trapped.

Glad you enjoyed it, @Jana Cain!  

Now that same family member owns half a dozen houses of his own and is enjoying a much better retirement because of it.Point is, maybe you just need to "show" them how you can make money as opposed to "telling" them.Or, maybe help educate them on what exactly you want to do. 

After all, I enjoy getting checks monthly - but it would nice to cash in a fat check once in while too.Question 2 - Networking is key to finding good deals - MLS can have some good deals periodically - but the best deals are going to come from a distressed situation that you find out about through word of mouth - and that means staying in front of your network and growing it so that you are exposed to new situations and opportunities.

If I were about 30 years younger (now 70 and enjoying the fruits of my decades of labor) I'd be hitailing it to Texas ASAP. 

Then this area of the blog is for you.How it works:Articles in this area are generally 2,000+ words.They're authored by some of our best, most experienced writers.They cover a range of subject areas (these articles will still be find-able by searching within their specific real estate category) but generally are our "ultimate" looks at these subject matters.Check it out here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/...There really is a wealth of information there -- so enjoy!

Enjoyed the pics.

We have also enjoyed buying brick houses near AF bases (brick, because I don't want to replace siding). 

Or should I just leave well enough alone and fill the empties with repos, increase lot rents minimally, and enjoy the ride?