For example, any business attorney worth hiring should be able to introduce you to other key players in your real estate team (e.g.

The great thing is you actually decided to take control of your financial future which is the Key. 

I did go to the courthouse not expecting many players but to my surprise their were many investors bidding high.

Lastly, the entire home we have decided to make "smart" and all locks, locks, thermostat, towel warmer, and mood lighting will be controlled via phones or computer.

Try to stay in control of whatever you are responsible for.  

The recommendation of partnering with a player is pretty key.  

Many people, like you, like the idea of at least investing in places they might visit, which has it's merits if you are going to be self-managing the property or just need to feel a bit more control. 

Try to keep control on everything you are responsible for.

Just seems prices are out of control and a ghetto house is $450,000.  

I like to have my money leveraged because I control more assets that way.