Most people are not, and so end up constantly trading the car and the note for a newer car and newer note.

I am a new investor myself with a whopping 1 deal under my belt, so I'm not sure I am the best advice, but I would say the absolute first step is to have a real in depth conversation with you bride to know what's comfortable.From a monetary perspective, I would buy a cheap home in a good area that needs many repairs, add your sweat equity, and trade up your home in 2 years (or re-finance and use that to start earlier).

Hi @Will Jo, I couldn't agree more with @James Wachob and @Douglas Skipworth.I'm a data analyst for a REIT by trade and base all of my decisions on numbers.  

Earn while you learn.Or if you prefer to work with your hands, you can learn one of the trades (plumber, electrician, HVAC, carpenter, general contractor, etc.), get licensed, and earn while you learn that way.Many possible paths to lead to the same destination ...

Skilled syndicators are continuing to make money in this area.  

Your Trades people will steal tools and material.

For people traveling through the southern most counties, it is clear that there really isn't much of an economic recovery. 2019 Proj Total Housing 546,9665.18%2014 Proj Total Housing 520,0092010 Census Total Housing 442,2112010 Census Occupied Housing 389,06488%2010 Census Vacant Housing 53,14712%2014 Est Median Value of Owner Occupied Housing 103,5852014 Est Median Gross Rent 6902014 Est Owner Occupied Housing 268,89862%2014 Est Renter Occupied Housing 166,97438%2014 Est Owner Occupied Housing Vacancy 2.44%2014 Est Renter Occupied Housing Vacancy 8.07%2010 Census Total Households 495,358The biggest employment sources are: government, manufacturing, health care, retail trade, and accomodation/food service.

Hii am just joined BiggerPockets and i would like to introduce myself briefly:I have several years of experience in international real estate investments, both residential and commercial.I own a company that helps individuals and companies to find the best buy to let investments opportunities (to maximise their return, in terms of rental yield and capital appreciation) or even for personal occupation as a main residence or holiday home.I have expertise in several international property markets, mainly in the UK but also in the United States (specially in New York, Los Angeles and Miami) and other overseas locations such Luxembourg, Malta, Dubai, Panama and Monaco.Thanks to my deep knowledge of the international property markets, i am able to find the best opportunities in the UK and overseas, according to my clients requirements and search criteria.Accordinjg to my expertise and skills, I would be happy to provide information and free advice to all the members, so should you need any information regarding international property investments, please do not hesitate to contact me.I look forward to hear from you !

Tim Porsche , just curious what portion of the PITI is just the taxes and insurance (so without the mortgage) sounds like a great deal even better as a cash buy and hold (although I know that isn't always feasible) I'm originally from Berks County myself I traded deals like that for sunshine I guess..

You are just trading one problem for another.