I've never had a job, and never got a credit card.

I was told I had to use PayPal by the phone reps when I called to make my purchase using my credit card.

hopefully we don't all build another house of cards were no one has any real equity into anything...

Paying off high interest credit cards, working to fix credit to save on borrowing costs, etc. can equal big savings sometimes.Take that money and start stacking away reserves.

I am a foodie so people usually send me gift cards to restaurants.You need to find out what her hobbies or interests are then it makes the gift more impactful and personable. 

Not sure if I can tell you any short cuts to gaining info other than to dig in on the forums and blog posts here on BP and getting your hands on some of the "classic" RE books like The Millionaire Real Estate Investor, How I turned $1,000 into a Million in Real Estate in My Spare Time, Think and Grow Rich, etc. etc.The local REIA is a good place to do some networking and the Lancaster group is fairly large.  

I'm mailing letters to my vacant home list and post cards to my absentee owner list.

I do a 5000 piece mailer for my credit card processing business.

very exciting.I wonder if you play the "I'm just the manager, not the owner" card if you live there.

I would like a list that I can send post cards to that is worthwhile to subscribe to.