@Marcia Maynard The unfortunate thing about bills like this, is that the people they are trying to rid themselves of or feel are taking advantage, will continue to do so, because (typically) those parties likely have deeper pockets than an individual who owns one or two properties and is renting them out. 

Checkbook control usually is a tad more expensive to set up than an IRA account that requires all investments to go through the sometimes lengthy custodian approval process, but again… find out what’s best for you.Are there any restrictions on what I can invest in?

If the author stashes the cash in a CD earning an inflation-adjusted 0% each year, then the reserves will be exhausted at some point well before year 30, which is fine because cash flow from the properties is meant to supplement the reserves in the long-run.

In most cases, mobile homes are more of a cash flow play than an appreciation one.

I always tried to have my total expenses covered and basically run a break even because then I was building equity, paying less than an apartment, and learning valuable skills.

I found a great off-market flip deal where the owner is willing to do owner financing (great for me since I've exhausted my personal credit on other rehabs) My summary and specific questions are below:The Deal: $250k purchase price, 10% down, $50k rehab costs, $375k minimum ARVStructuring the Terms: 1) Owner is giving three financing options:a.Amortized 6 month loan w/ scheduled provided by Seller (interest of early pay off will be required)b.Balloon 6 month loan w/ scheduled provided by Seller (interest of early pay off will be required)c.No monthly payment with amortized interest added to money due at time of closing2) Owner wants to keep title under their name until loan is paid off, but the owner still has a note on the property.

So she was more of an appraiser than an inspector, but she did note things that we had to fix.I would do some more homework to see if you need an FHA inspector with the standard. 

Thanks so much to both Chris K and John Holdman I agree fully what your saying makes complete sense as it will eliminate my apprehension of sounding like an annoyance rather than an asset!   

anyone who wants to take this investing stuff seriously needs to do their own homework and put in more than an hour a day, which is what is pitched at these events (i can't imagine anyone simply getting a fully operational self-sustaining system in place without any amount of capital or experience-based knowledge).do we regret taking the course?  

Umbrella insurance will give you more protection than an LLC, cost less, be less hassle and be more likely to be properly maintained.