Why's wrong with the check used by the other person in your previous experience?

I think it's a great idea to pay off school/car loans first - will always look better in the lenders' eyes.In terms of your choices for your next move - I don't think you can go wrong with Raleigh, Denver nor Austin.

I'm quite motivated/driven, but I do have a fear of starting my investment career with the wrong move.

I have the wrong kind of insurance on my rental too.

Huge infux of jobs.. think Boeing ( I think they may be around for a while) Mercedes benz  ( same thing)  Now Volvo   14 hotels under constructions to the tune of almost 4 billion.. cruise lines making this an embarkation debarkation destination. plus the 2nd most poplular tourist town on the whole southern East coast second only to Orlando.How the Heck can you go wrong. 

@Jami MortonWhen I read your post above, It sounds - please correct me if I am wrong - as if you have a pile of IRA money and are out investing without much education.There is much more to navigating the tax code related to using a self directed IRA than "can't be for personal use".I hope your custodian or advisor provided you with some introductory guidance as to the rules for self directed IRA plans and/or that you have a good CPA or attorney guiding you.Flipping with a self directed IRA can be very profitable, but is an advanced strategy.All IRA transactions must be entirely at arm's length, meaning you can negotiate and make decisions, sign contracts, and handle expense and income transactions, but may not benefit in any way OR add benefit to the IRA through the provision of goods or services.  

This is my money I  bought the decrepit house, fixed it up and now I want to take my money and buy more houses with the money is wrong?

You are looking at the wrong houses.

I've been to a landlord bootcamp run by Atty Tristan Pettit, who my usual, all purpose attorney AND another attorney I know who also practices general business related law both said is definitely the best LANDLORD'S attorney in town and the guy to call if you're in any sort of serious landlord/tenant dispute or any serious case related to being a landlord where the stakes are high enough to make darn sure you've got the best possible representation due to what you could lose if things go the wrong way!

When I was looking people told me that 'you can't go wrong starting out with a duplex'.