What you need to learn in your 20s is how professional business works, how to manage people and projects, how to run an organization and how to sell ideas and concepts.

On another note, I don't like the idea of paying all-cash. 

Great idea(s) depending on your market. 

Move into the house for a while (there are spare rooms) and get a better idea of what is going on.

@Mary Peale - Hi Mary, I have a couple ideas that come to mind.

I know of a couple of good PM's if you need them and can give you a general idea of the best areas to invest in. 

I keep wanting these to work, I really love the idea of this asset class...

Is a second mortgage (heloc) or cash out refinance a better idea?

This will get you the name on the dog on record designating that specific animal as their ESA.Good idea -- AND ask for additional rent/deposit, unless there is some legislation forbidding it for a properly registered service animal.My humble opinion, all this "emotional support" stuff is simply BS so they can take their precious animals everywhere they go and not have pay extra.

I love the idea of flipping houses and I love finding good deals.