One of the things I've heard about hard money is in addition to higher rates, they have pre-payment penalties.Current or prior ownership of real estate: as stated, I am currently renting and intend to rent for at least another year or so.Value of property at present and/or your offer price: $158000 (zestimate)After repair value: $Anticipated or actual appraisal issues: will perform one during due diligence Current rents per month: $425Fair market rents per month: $500Down payment or equity: $30000Source of down payment funds, if applicable: see aboveIncome Source: Salaried/hourly W2, VA comp, Gross monthly income (optional): $1800 tax exempt, approx $4-5k in base wage (+ OT opportunities)Monthly debt obligations appearing on credit report, plus (if applicable) personal rent and alimony/child support/etc: $800/mo in rentFICO: Excellent Credit issues: None.

There is a group for everyone-- I am still searching for mine and I don't know, maybe I wouldn't mind, but I am afraid I would be very distracted by a child-- I am betting that there are other parents of toddlers that could create a group.

We lived in the 2 bedroom side of the property for a year, keeping the current tenants on the 3/2.In June, 2017 we increased rent from $800 to $850. 6 months after that, we purchased a home to live in (with our 2nd child just 3 months old) and moved out, intending to renovate the 2/2 we'd been living in.In August 2017, after moving, we started renovations, which (of course) took longer than expected and cost more than estimated.

However, what if your tenant starts to watch child pornography?

We are having our first child soon and I feel like we are getting a fresh start.

I'm looking for some advice on where to begin my real estate investment journey.I am 31 years old, married and have a young child. 

Purchasing your first rental property is like having a child, if you wait until you're 100% ready, you won't do it.

I live here because my family is here. my friends and my wife's and child's friends are here, and my RE investments are here.San Diego has a lot of nice features (weather, recreation, beach, mountains, desert, etc.) but it is also crowded, air could be better, and it is not cheap. 

Despite that, I will continue doing it because my wife and I recently had a child and we would like to move into a home w/ more rooms around the time that our kid turns 1 year old.  

@Brian Garlington  @Amy Herzing   I am the veteran But I am paying the mortgage as my form of child support so If I refinance it into a conventional and put it into her name the payment will go up as will my child support.