It's been a long journey, five months since we initially put in our offer, two years since we started searching for homes, three years since we started researching REI, and seven years since I first had the goal to purchase My first home by the age of 25.Just wanted to thank everyone who has helped me so far and helped answer a lot of my questions.

But, it appears that I may not be able to do what I was hoping to do...Here is the scenario: I have recently "retired" from my job but I am not really retired (age 56), I still need to make a significant income.

And will have bigger problems down the road as the investment ages.3 - It strikes me as a flaw in thinking that you didn't calculate, or forgot the cost of money.  

Just as long as you have your contractors lined up for that area.That being said, if the only decent deals are 90 minutes away and I was your age, I would do that drive.

Congratulations for getting started so early in life - you are way ahead of where I was at your age.

My niche is serving college age renters that want to live close to bars and colleges downtown.  

Almost two years ago we moved to Orange County California to be closer to my aging mother in law and a better climate for my health.

WE live in the Jet age one can be on the other side of the country within 6 hours for 350 bucks well in my case I only fly first so that 1200. 

My SFR's were built in the period where Aluminum wiring was used so it depends on your style/age house.The worst I ever had a tenant do?

What an awesome opportunity you have to dive into real estate at such a young age!