Like you as a mortgage underwriter, I have many years of experience being a professional supporting real estate investors as a CPA, but I now wanted to become a real estate investor myself.In late November of last year, like you're doing this November, I wrestled with the question of investing locally with a 4-unit purchased with FHA financing vs. investing out-of-state and got a lot of great advice.Like you, my goal is to retire within the next 10-15 years via real estate investing.As a result of some of the advice I've read through the forums (I would recommend you pay attention to guys who have been in real estate for decades like @Jay Hinrichs rather than the younger folks who are often just pushing their turnkey products) and speaking to investors at local real estate groups, I decided that given my place in life I would be wiser to place my bets on California appreciation over the next 20-30 years rather than investing in some beat-down property in Cleveland for an extra $400 or whatever in cash flow per month.Given the facts that (1) I could get into a property for a measly 3.5% down, which would free up cash to invest in other places if I so chose, (2) I was already throwing away rent every month such that I could still be cash flow negative of $650/month (what I was paying in rent) and still be better off because a portion of my monthly payment would be building my equity and the rest would be tax deductible, and (3) I'm in my 20s and have the time to take a long-term view of appreciation potential, it was a no-brainer to go the FHA 4-plex route in LA, despite the fact that it is one of the most expensive markets in the country.This isn't to say that the process was easy.  

View things as stepping stones and not being permanently stuck in a situation you want to get out of.

I view umbrella coverage as an absolute requirement.

I will be sure to read/view them as I seek to gain as much knowledge as possible and start this new career on the right path.BTW, I noted that you are from NY but have a GA telephone number.  

The other tenant I screen and placed on the other side has been great so far.  

If you follow Brandon's Ultimate Tenant Screening Guide, you will weed out most of the potential problem tenants before you get to that point.  

I'm taking a longer view, so I build a tandem house in the rear, and keep the old primary dwelling unit in service for many more years.  

hey guys is there a way to archive blogs, podcast, and forum post that I have viewed?

The email was delivered early this morning that doesn't coincide with the message timeframe - thanksgiving has long since passed so it may be a late delivery on Craigslist part.I received the email via craigslist and while the message was specific to their available time - I now have to decide if I want to give my address for viewing of the furniture.Craigslist posts safety links as suggestions for transacting business.

You talk to Person #1 on the phone, pre-screen them on Facebook (haha, yes I do!)