The hard part is finding that desperate seller that needs friendly persuasion who's willing to sell at a deep discount for fast cash.

Could use some slow updating but is all currently rented.

Michael, in my experience, and I think you'll hear and read this from the majority of investors, the key is getting into a network of people that you trust and can work with you to help you take steps and be successful.I am, by nature, a deep dive research, analysis, and due diligence person.

The key to its strength is its long and sturdy root, which extends deep into the earth.

Ideally, I would start slow and local, while I'm still in the States and eventually build up enough cash flow and trust with others to give me some peace of mind.

It's still a passion, but I have a deep yearning to apply my business skills.  

I am not going to subject myself or my family that type of lifestyle - will it slow down our real estate investing , perhaps a little bit but like you mentioned its not like we're wasteful with money.  

(great point) - I worked my *** off for so long that it's a skill I'm learning to slow down and smell the roses. haha.100% enjoying life includes learning, and to look behind the curtain a little bit and understand how some of these exotic real estate transactions are conducted  (exchanging property, accelerated depreciation on commercial buildings, 1031/financing until you die, subdividing, bank financing on the business cash flow, etc.. etc.. etc..) 

Slow, but I've had good luck with this.

I heard that "subject to" financing is the way to go if you don't have a very deep pocket; how should one go about it and create a win-win situation for both you and the seller?