Since this was an "arm's length" deal and the owner was experiencing some financial issues of his own, I add value to the deal by keeping continuous open communication and essentially, giving him some earnest money to help him through the process.

. :) Can't wait to see your success as you continue to grow.

I would like to continue renting to college kids, as I have friends lined up for the next few years.

You might want to check if the SS money is disability and ask how long they have had the disability and how long it is expected to continue and when was the last time SS reviewed their qualifications. 

We pay for our license, continuing education, NAR membership, state and local Realtor board membership, MLS, E&O, marketing, lead generation, websites, desk fees, gas, etc.And if you're thinking that we're making a killing on our commission, don't forget that on a 5% deal, that is commonly split 50/50 between the listing and selling office. 

I've read all of the information in the educational links and am continually looking to learn but now looking to add action to my knowledge. 

And the really dedicated probate practitioners spend a few thousand each year for hours of continuing legal education.Can you narrow that down a bit?

Me, I’d like to continue growing my knowledge and network of colleagues and contemporaries to move closer to building a portfolio of real estate syndications.What are you up to in the new year?

Now that my student loan payments are much more manageable I've been thinking about focusing on saving/investing instead of continuing to focus on the debt but I'm not sure if it's the smart move or not.

Those funds will be trapped in that plan until such time as you change jobs or continue working with that employer past age 59 1/2.A self-directed IRA allow for retirement savings to be invested more broadly than just the stock market, but it does not sound as if you would have the ability to move funds to such a plan.