And I'm ready to take Action!

I've ready several books for the past few months and I think I know enough to at least be able to push through with my first duplex this year.

That assumes the project only consumes your time and money for about a year.

All deals done in Southern California....over the past 21 monthsDeal #1 got offer accepted at $100K for a duplex, wholesaled it for $107,000 to a cash buyer, netted $3500 +/-Deal #2 got offer accepted at $105K for 3/2 SFR, wholesaled it for $112K to same cash buyer, netted $3500 +/-(decided I wanted to be able to buy the next house cash, locked myself in my office, worked my butt off 7 days a week 10-14 hours a day, saved every penny for 9 months, now I was ready!)

I can get a gutted double, or ran down place for about 15k, or I could spend 45k and get a rent ready duplex?

. - a couple thoughts:- depending on the year built the maintenance cost could be light - I don't see a turnover cost to make units rent ready

This would be my first and I'm just looking to "get my toes wet", learn through this first rental purchase and hopefully one day when I feel I'm ready grow from there.

That you will have to either wash off (time consuming) or repaint.

Oh by the way, we move on average about once every 2 years, and when we aren't getting ready to move we deploy overseas for 7 months or so at a time.

You might have already consumed below.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereCheck out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.