The more of these that are true for a specific home, the more likely that is your "main home"Address listed on important documents (US Postal Service address, voter registration, federal and state tax returns, driver's license and/or car registration. 

It’s a true wealth builder. then go 20% down out of state on your next one.

This is true on the lending side.

I feel a lot of passion for real estate and in February I'll have saved $40K with good credit and good monthly income and ready to make my first move.

The story of Affordable housing is so true even here in Zimbabwe.There are more low-moderate income earners seeking houses to fulfill their home ownerships dreams.Even in America, the mobile homes and some of the apartment unit types fit into the low-medium income earners catergory.Real estate is a BIG sector, just keep learning and serving.One show on CNBC, if i recall correctly showed a third of GDP worth of Property transaction in 2016 for China .Property was a way inflation first filters through the economy

(the bottom unit is set below the street level although still open all the way around so not a true garden unit).

I'm aware of the 203k loan, isn't it true that you have to hire contractors to do the work for you?

A lot of landlords are advised to put their properties in the name of an LLC for asset protection.While this is basically true, the reality isn’t what most landlords think.If a legal issue occurs with your property resulting in a lawsuit, there’s a decent chance the plaintiff’s attorney will be successful in “piercing the corporate veil” of your LLC and being able to sue you directly.

Or I could buy some land and do a personalized "compound" The compound would be more of a passion project with a higher level of time and commitment.

The same is true with real estate investing.