It's understandable that this greatly reduces my opportunities.I'd like to thank you all for your comments and questions and hope that this thread will be of assistance to others wishing to develop their knowledge in this specific area.

Does anybody have any advice on negotiating a reduced payoff of a 2nd mortgage.

You'll find that the weather is similar to the UK, thou I don't think snows other there.Cost of living compared to the UK is way way cheaper, you'll like that.But as you're probably use to public transport in the UK, here you'll need a car to get around. 

Depreciation is also reduced buying at a lower price.  

@Amanda Coleman  too funny I have only been working in Portland since 1992.. and still don't know PSU from U of P other than one is public and one is I think the catholic school... so yes. 

Good idea to state your goals publicly as a way to have accountability.

SaaS should drastically reduce the barrier of entry (assuming the subscription prices are reasonable). 

I've been thinking about buying options on REIT's to reduce my exposure, and also give a nice little cash infusion, should the market go down, but REIT's don't directly track the real estate market.

My goal is to drastically reduce the amount of time I spend working on an ambulance as a Paramedic, and to get back to a point where I enjoy it again, and have more time with the family. 

BP doesn't let me give contact info in a public forum.