Network and build your surroundings with people who breathe, eat and sleep real estate.

But we never go on trips, can't afford big gifts, and our line of credit seems to grow in our sleep.Last month I couldn't sleep because I could not figure out how we would ever send our kids to university, give them a good start with their own real estate, care for parents, and enjoy our retirement.So my goals are pretty long-term and I see buy&hold rentals as the key to being ready for these financial challenges.My strategy is to SOMEHOW convince a private money lender to give me one shot at a Joint Venture deal.

Hire out the rest and it will help you in the long run and you will sleep better.  

I would also not loose too much sleep right out of the gate on setting up an LLC or Trust.  

I realize Boston is expensive, but does a really nice house (all primary's are just a labor camp we sleep in) best fit your goals?

That work is extremely noisy and disruptive to the tenant's wife who works nights and sleeps during the day.

Don't wait to "think about it", don't sleep on it, don't go get a haircut or have a beer with your buddies.

You draw and draft and sweat and cry and bleed and, if you're lucky, occasionally sleep. 

You may not make the best returns, but you help your sister, you get what you want and you sleep well at night.In terms of a proper split, we see JV proposals/offers from investors who are looking for our funding and, in return, they offer us 50% of equity.

I would also try to expand my season. maybe build some 10x10 wooden sleeping areas and try to catch some winter short stay people.