thanks for postig a response. when you say preclear outsise activities do you mean you invest in real estate investment like multifamily outside in order to prevent conflict. also if you buy in your name as opposed to an llc are the requirements less onerous.

Would anyone be able to offer any specifics on how they use the MLS to find deals (specifics as opposed to generalizations)? 

I know the Breckenridge area has been "hot" longer than the Mammoth area and maybe you have a lot more buyers looking for luxury as opposed to just beds.

One major appeal is that real estate is a tangible asset that you can physically control as opposed to the the stock market where we have 0% influence on our investments.

I can say that the landlord tenant laws on the books in WI are more favorable to the owners opposed with Illinois where tenants receive much more leverage when it comes to eviction.  

From what I've heard, you're better off paying out dividends which are subject to capital gains tax as opposed to pulling a salary that is subject to employment and income tax.

This is what makes me nervous about Lease to own agreements as opposed to a normal deed of trust and real estate lien note.

I looked at apts for rent ads that sat to over a monthThen I called and asked if they would like all their rental headaches gone.And talked to them like a friend asked if it was easy Then said I would be happy to take their problems away as I was young with tons of energy to do repairs, evict bad tenets etcAnd all I wanted to do was pay them a set amount   Each month as opposed to the up-and-down rental situation that had gotten themselves into Believe it or not the conversation can Flovent Easley back-and-forth them finding out about me and me finding out about them and what they're able to do and want to do

Tenants that are one flat tire away from missing rent will not result in quality cash flow, and yet ironically these type of tenants are the kind that tend to rent in the type of neighborhoods that show the highest pro forma cash flow projections on paper ... too bad those cash flows aren't what you will actually get during a downturn, and you spend much of your time chasing down rent as opposed to growing your portfolio ... too bad that the increases in rents and prices will not tend to keep up with inflation in many of these neighborhoods too ...

That being said, I am not opposed to looking in to FL either, I do LOVE Key West!