Additionally, when I go to rent in a month, I will cash flow only 75$/mo IF we can put a tenant in here for our asking price of 1250$.So, though I don't have true REI experience I have learned from my mistake and hope I can pass the knowledge on.

I'm hoping RE will offer me another layer of protection when it comes to the stock market's inherent volatility.

The big obstacle right now is that pesky 25% down payment....  

But I had to chime in here because I worked in health care as well (and my husband still does) so I know what that's all about.

Hi, so, just started poking around here yesterday and I'm ready to jump right in and start trying to work out that big obstacle that has been standing in my way.  

No more inherent risk than any other investment house.

One method that multiple people have recommended to me is doing 'Morning Pages', it's a method developed by Julia Cameron in her book, 'The Artist Way', it has a 'new age' feel so some people might be turned off but I have talked to people (artists and not artists, business people, etc) that rave about it. 

Hi Robert, I wanted to jump in here and clarify your post. 

The biggest obstacle now is building a portfolio.Thank you for your advice and input !!! 

I would recommend that you set up your alerts for your area to find a investor friendly realtor and help you find what you are looking for as far as property,  There is a wealth of information in here and there is always someone that will help you.