We take a middle ground here, @Karen Margrave.

The condo associations really drive the value of your condo (how well the grounds are maintained, etc), and the politics and stuff that happens behind the scenes of those condo associations can be crazy. 

My husband enjoys fixing things and wood working and I have design back ground. we are not expecting a huge return on the first house but would like to really get our feet wet and learn the whole process.I would like to study and get the RE license in the mean time. if anyone has good any suggestions or insights I would really appreciate it!.

If you're skill is in the construction phase- focus on that. 

Thought I would chime in about Nanaimo as it is my stomping grounds - after a peak in 2011 the prices were slowly deflating until the summer of 2013 (SFR down 8%, Condos down %20) at which point the trend reversed.

Remote deals are something I'm very interested in so I can break ground in certain areas of my hometown.

Like I said before, I have done partnerships where I was the only "boots on the ground".

I am in the beginning phases of putting my business plan together.

I am in the beginning phases of putting my business plan together.

With no savings, plan, or viable product or service, they quit their jobs, thinking by doing that they would magically figure it all out and get out of the "rat race," only to find out that they had no idea what they were doing.I personally think the best route is a middle ground, which is what I am pursuing.