I don't think that your friend could replicate his success starting today and going forward over the same time span.There is no one path to real estate riches.

@Chris Guccione Thanks for sharing your experience.Hope you have success investment and happy life in JAX!

Hearing a successful stories motivates even more to dig deep into studying and researching the RE business!

I've never structured seller financing.I've thought of a near full price offer with interest only for 5 years (a little gamble that rents will continue to rise and values will at least stay steady) or the financing and paying them $225ish.The owner said my proforma seemed faulty accurate (I lose $206 monthly after moving and fully renting) so there needs to be wiggle room for win-win here.Asking the BP universe: what offer methods and tactics have you found to be most successful?

@Jason BocekCongratulations on your successful start in investing.To correctly create a tax return, you will need to learn a few concepts that are specific to REI.

I have some friends trying to convince me otherwise, with their success stories in that segment of rentals however. 

If you are going to join a team, and it's a successful team, you should follow their lead.

And nor would I ask will without having success in the realm of RE.

I wish I could close up shop and be full time RE now, but I have to be an adult about it and will likely do both for 18-24 months before my commissions can sustain my life and investing.As for brokerage, since I started and built my own successful business, which I still currently run, I needed a brokerage that offered good educational access and support, but also the freedom to set my own schedule. 

Are you aware of anyone successfully doing this with a VA loan?