Is it a good source for networking as well?

In other words, if you choose a house that is 1) likely to appreciate, 2) delivers cash flow based on rent vs. expenses vs. mortgage, 3) buy from a person who will accept your loan as the funding source 4) no major outlays due in the near future (HVAC for example) and one of my faves 5) is very rentable (based on how the price relates to the median house price, the location, the amenities, condition, etc) (which is a way to secure the cash flow even in times of economic downturn or perhaps in times of rent depreciation) then I don't really see getting a deal.

Good info out here but also in other sources too.

After two years of travel my wife and I are ready to put down roots in a new location.

How do you approach addressing comments that appear to be rooted in jealousy?

No proof of payment, no audit trail for source of funds, large transactions on a regular basis, not good for them or you.No credit history of mortgage payments to date, like I said, a lender will not take your word for it as you benefit from the loan proceeds......like, yes, they paid me before payments were due, greatest people I've ever dealt with, now,  please give them a loan so I can get my money :)Don't know what other deposits you make, but if you've been dumping more than a grand in as a lump sum for months and that was not customary for your account your bank may be doing (should be) doing "large cash transaction reports" with each deposit.I'd be giving my bank a call, explain you've been depositing seller financed note payments and that you were paid in cash, I'd explain the "ignorance" of the matter and ask for guidance.

There are advantages and disadvantages to everything and someone who can sit down and get a fully understand of the entire situation would be the best source to advise on you that.

My wife and I are both agents with Solid Source Realty...highly recommend them for investors...

If you're going to make real estate investment your business, then you need to treat it like a business and learn how to do this, but if it's part of an overall investment portfolio or a source of some extra income, most people are too busy with their lives, careers, families etc to devote the time it takes to do it right.

I agree that its expensive but have not found a better source to do do real life exercises.