I read so many stories about people turning little money to fortunes in little time however, hasn't been my story, but I believe in staying in the race and soon enough, I will be able to go where I want to go when I want to go.In Landlording you do get some calls that make you want to say, ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!

Fortunately, I lived 3 blks from the college (Wm&Mary) and bought near my house until it too became a rental 5 yrs ago.

Yes, the CA/HI market is created for OO, and not for rental, fortunately. 

I was fortunate that the deal went smoothly, and had I needed out I could’ve dumped at any point for what I was into it for.

I've been fortunate enough to hire others many times in my career, either as employees, agents, mentees, or as contractors.  

Its made finding housing virtually impossible for him, fortunately we were able to help him find a small plot of land and a cheap trailer he was able to get financing for so he wasn't homeless, but such things can haunt someone for a lifetime. 

Fortunately, time is on your side!

(my rental portfolio is here)Purchase: $80k-$130kRent: $1200-$1550ROI: Double DigitCash flow: couple hundred/monthAppreciation: Double digit (for past 10 years, will gladly send data)Location: C, B- (suburbs and certain markets)We have over a dozen Fortune 500 companies just in Metro Detroit with huge Healthcare and Auto industries.

I don’t know how and where I couldlive without spending a fortune with 2 kids and pets for a couple ofmonths or so.Question 1: How do Ido the transition then?

There are some market intel firms, but they cost a small fortune and cater to large commercial developers / investors.