One consideration about buying a rental late in the year in Minnesota, the rental pool is probably non-existenent from November-April b/c of weather so while you might use that to get a better price deal on the home, expect higher vacancy rates until you can get on a regular rental schedule (May-May or Sept-Sept).

Coffee with Investors, Millionaire Possibilities REIA, OKC REIA, plus there are usually BP lunches and happy hours on a regular basis. 

Most people say that happiness is achieved once you can attain control over your time and spend it as  you see fit.

If you're in a the Phoenix area, I'd be happy to share some potential structural engineers that I regularly work with that may be able to help!

It is hard to explain but you will get it, when your do regular deals.That said, I do understand the 70% rule when it comes to refinancing your money back out.

Simply start a blog and begin sharing your knowledge on a regular basis.

One other question: would it be better to use green board for the replacement material than regular drywall?

And my area is about as far as I'd be willing to drive on a regular basis (about 30 minutes from home).

(I make decent $ in my regular business, so more time saved can be converted into $$, when I'm not busy posting on BP.)Also, (and this is maybe part of point 1) I consider how much more quickly I'll get it rented.

Two cash-flowing properties seems to be a solid and attainable goal for your first full year real estate investing.