Also heard good things about NC raleigh/ SC columbus areas.Would be looking at his 3rd property - mainly condos, multifamilies in the 100-300k range - or just paying off all current debt. 

One of the main reasons why I want to do real estate is because after losing my job last because to a merger, I wanted to have another way to provide for my family and to reach financial independence one day.My goal is to become a buy and hold investor, buying duplexes and multi-families in my area and possibly out of state. 

Ah, loving this thread with all the speculation regarding the AU NZ and Canadian property market :)Having been a property investor and developer here in Australia for over 15 years, I can attest that the market is extremely expensive, mainly in the east coast capitals (Melbourne, Sydney particularly) and the rental returns on residential are quite low, I can also assure you there is no "imminent" collapse  just around the corner. 

I’d never seen “commercial” and “portfolio” used synonymously.My understanding was that Portfolio just means they loan their own money and service the debt themselves.  

The signage is on top of the building facade facing the main traffic area and is the only one on the building.

On one end I read about investors that take advantage of the Act 22 tax exemption, on the other end the government struggles with debt and reconstruction of Hurricane Maria damages.

Most claimed turn keys are rentable but mainly on borrowed time with mechanicals, kitchens etc all aged and due for replacement. 

I am mainly interested in small multi-family properties (2-15 units) with value add potential.

That means paying whatever bills you have accumulated, at least on time, and reducing your debt load. 

There are 2 main ways to "fined a mentor"1.