And I also was thinking, the mortgage companies would keep me a steady stream of work and I could focus on things other than finding work.

If you got a steady stream of off market leads, then as far as I'm concerned, the rest is easy!

I am currently looking to diversify my income stream and am looking at certain retail and fast food buildings for sale in my area.

I'm assuming it's a main stream name mortgage servicer with a private investor due to them participating in HAFA.

I stay on the leaner side and have other revenue streams that contribute to the overhead.Instead of "always be buying", my approach is better described as "always be looking" or "only be buying if the deal is right, always".

I would rather have a few good happy buyers to pass stuff off to than have to depend on a constant stream of new idiots to overpay (granted the last few years this doesn't seem like a bad bet...) on every deal. 

If you can afford to think in 20 or 30 year terms it is hard to go very wrong with an asset that on average appreciates, and an income stream (rent) that you can compensate for inflation (raise).Example 3: Joe the Plumber has a low paying job but owns his house outright.

This turns my rejects into a profit stream. 

., no snow for ski markets, oil spill, strict ordinances, regulation, etc.), you'll still have another location that is hopefully immune.That being said, you can also be more risk tolerant with vacation rentals by working with a manager that is offering fixed rental income, meaning they pay you a guaranteed, fixed amount every month.

Keep true to your risk tolerances, sometimes think outside the box and keep on paddling up stream at your comfort level and realistic expectations and it will get easier as apposed to harder.