Starting with a few hundred grand and eventually making up half or more of my portfolio with real estate.My experience: One of my business partners/investors and good friend is a real estate guy.

No way we double close if we can avoid it, but without other protections for yourself, you are talking about potentially losing $100k to not lose a few grand.

One of my tenants recently moved out. The place wasn't trashed, but seems like they did no cleaning when they left. Visible dirt/dust on almost every surface, trash (including Q-tips) left on bathroom floor, toilet no...

Being a first time landlord I may have under priced my rental but it covered the mortgage and I have been without a tenant for a grand total of 15 days in 6 years.

In my area of Arlington/Grand Prairie, TX there aren't a ton of multifamily properties.

The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone were awesome! 

Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand is definately in demand!

People told me I could hire someone to help setup QB for my rentals but this would have cost a couple grand.

My wife noted that there were lots of grand houses in need of some love but next to abandoned buildings and seedy neighborhoods. 

If it sells for less, you may owe the difference.If it's a private transaction, the seller may say, "Okay, I want 5 grand, and you have 20 days to close."