Unless a vacancy is part of your plan, depending on its location and demand will effect your rental and the rent that will be collected. 

The class lasted 2 whole days and passed on pretty current information and in Texas you were not suppose to hide any relevant information that may effect the value of a property and I'm sure every state was the same with regards to laws that were supposed to be followed. 

While the city council’s societal heart may be in the right place (for the tenants getting priced out of the Seattle) the onslaught of recent ordinances (1st in time application - challenged and overturned in Court, limits on move-in costs / pet fees, no criminal checks, etc.) these have in many cases encroached and/or completely ignored landlord/property owner rights and create such complex regulations that it is in many cases not feasible or cost effective for small mom & pops to manage their own properties, so they reach out to pros and pass the costs along to the tenants.

I'd like something that's relatively cost effective, so central air is likely out of the question.Does 3 zones make sense?

Hey bigger pockets, if you had a chance to go back in time and talk to your younger self and give them advice what would you tell you ?

Am I able to get FHA financing for my first home if I am purchasing it through my Self Directed IRA?

Thank you Chris, and I must admit that I was not aware that medical bills were treated differently . sadly, I lost everything , house, truck, and had to file BR in chapter seven which is discharged but being self employed puts me at thevbottom of the food chain for now.

I've done about 5 investment deals up to this point and have self funded each one, but in an effort to scale up I will need to look for other capital resources.

That is especially true with the tax law change that went into effect this year; the standard deduction nearly doubled, so the taxes you save by itemizing might be much less than they were in the past (in other words, because you are getting a larger benefit through the larger standard deduction the "cost" of not having the mortgage interest deduction might be less).I can see an argument for there being better uses for your money than to pay off a mortgage with a 5.5% interest rate (if you can make an investment that pays at least 6% for example), but if your quality of life will improve because you paid off your debt and are now "financially independent" then that is what you should do.

Information I received from the tax office today:"The leftover tax lien list (assignment) is available the end of June at:Cashiers Office (in person)200 Holliday StBaltimore, Md. 21202The cost is $10.00.For mail please send Money Order with self- addressed envelope."