There were some strong lessons learn from those experiences like cash reserves, due diligence and property management.Wife and I are interesting in getting back into real estate investing with goals of long-term cash flow to secure a good retirement in 10 years. 

She now has a pretty secure, well paying job but she also wants something more.

I am fifty years old and I need to secure my retirement.

I have a career, but I'm interested in investing in real estate for more security and to become debt free.

I really enjoyed the book and I read it cover to cover (except for skimming the veterans section as it does not apply to me).If you are a total beginner living in an expensive area, it is important to know all of the levers you can pull to secure your first property.

Today there are various organizations which provide Security Guard Training in India so that the candidates can improve their skills in safety and security services.

LED light bulbs and a wifi thermostat were the first things we did when moving to our place, not big ticket items, but they more than pay for themselves in time, especially if you leave your lights on for security/aesthetics.

I'm in a situation where I would actually prefer to turn my crowdfunding investments (over $300k of investments across 45 deals) into a trade or business and report it on Schedule C and opt into paying social security tax, etc. instead of just reporting aggregating the income from 1099s and K-1s onto the interest/dividends line of my tax return.  

If leveraging, I am thinking of money NOT secured by the property that you are buying so that you can at least pocket these potential extra closing costs.

I feel that I have a decent amount of knowledge on the many aspects of real estate but I am here to learn more so that I can achieve the financial security that everyone dreams of.