By control, I meant own or have mortgages, not syndication(although I can dream of one day).

Hoarder's dream house, Lol!

In a dream come true scenario, I would start an LLC (for protection reasons, and personal reasons), and within the LLC buy a duplex where I can live in half and rent half to cover expenses.

Mostly dreaming about the day when I can make my first purchase like you have.

If I had the cash, I would probably do some of it outright cash and finance some so I can keep my options open and then use the cash flow from the investments to finish paying for themselves.....what fun to dream....

@Jeff LanghamI'd go Homer 100% - dream land there - incredible fishing - islands - glaciers.

When big flipping deals come through I can pay it way down, and also draw from it when I need up to $193k (assuming it's 100% paid off).Not to crush your dreams but 20 nights for $150 is pretty high pie in the sky if you ask me.  

I figure this is probably a pipe dream, so most things are negotiable but I'm open to any advice on what areas to be looking at, or even who to talk to once I'm on the island.

I moved away from Chicago a couple of years ago for a job in Denver, and still to this day dream of going back.

I also want to motivate others to not let life's trials and tribulations hold them back from following their dream of real estate investing.I'm going to keep it simple and jump right into the details of why this deal happen and how I structured the deal with my good friend, business partner and also new investor.