I've communicated with the previous owner who financed the current occupant/owners' purchase of this home.  

It's hard to give you general tips but here are a few things.Don't do this if you're looking to get rich quick.

I am putting money in gold/silver (I'm not a gold bug, I don't think it's always good to buy, and it's certainly not a way to get rich, just a way to hedge against economic downturns, as it tends to go up when other markest go down), and rentals, as people still rent during down economies (though you have to account for increased evictions).

That is very helpful and I will be sure to be clear with my verbiage and communications when dealing with sellers.

I suppose then a 'glossary of terms' and definitions would therefore also lend to a 'key word rich' webpage(s) approach, for better SE indexing... coupled with a KW- based, onsite site search box. ;-) The website(s) with the best EDU (in plain, understandable English... maybe with a Spanish, translator?)

A less seasoned landlord might pay $200-225 but not $250k unless they're just cash rich and are desperate for something to roll their money into for tax reasons.

@Rich Baer   I read an interesting piece from the Ohio Board of REALTORS about the escalation clause.  

Like many people here, my interest in REI started after reading Rich Dad Poor Dad and a few other real estate books several years ago.

@Rich Baer maybe you can chime in on this one.  

No matter how rich money wise they are that clock keeps ticking away.There are lot's of people with TEAMS out there and they grow GCI that way.Find a niche that is overlooked at exploit it.For me I am a principal commercial broker focused on retail transactions with clients nationally.