My dad has been investing in real estate for over 30 years, so I've had his support. 

My goal is to build my portfolio over time and ultimately I just want some stable income to support my ever growing family and if all works out, maybe I can pull off an early retirement. 

Are you sure the area can support a coffee shop, there used to be a pretty good one across from the court house that also sold trinkets that went out of business a few years ago.  

BiggerPocketsPodCastWholesaling101 You Tube ChannelKent Clothier – You Tube Memphis Invest channel

Though my family and friends are as supportive as I can hope for, there's a limit to how much they'll listen to me ramble about real estate. 

I would love to be able to sell it and channel the income into more multi-unit properties, which I enjoy far more.

For example they don't want situations where everyone that has been watching the weather channel and knows the storm track, buys flood coverage at the last possible moment, and the company gets hosed. 

Do the tracks need lubrication or have they come loose from the supports?

You'll find a world of great info & support here. 

Since I have many better ways to buy property (off market, without depending on listings for deals) the MLS only represents a channel for disposition, not acquisition.Some Brokers and agents may believe that they have fewer available tools to market their listings.