going through the courses and spending the money is brain damage, but if you can afford the time and the association dues (everything about NAR and being a realtor all comes down to paying dues) and you're serious about doing this for yourself and you're smart about it, having access to more information than the general public will give you a competitive edge.However, very few things will ever beat good'ol fashion hustle.

He expressed how he want to spend the rest of his time here on this earth with his family and I totally understand.Of the 8 properties, 2 were houses, and the other 6 were condos.

They don't spend a lot of time in the apt.

Spending 10s of thousands of dollars (or more) is just incomprehensible to most people.  

They'll get buyers/sellers who they won't want to spend time on and who knows, they may refer them to you.Best of luck!

But I understand the desire and those that don't want to spend the time.

We spend time together fixing it up and she was only there a year.  

I have a goal of investing in 5 rental properties over the next 3-5 years.I plan on spending a lot of time on Bigger Pockets and soaking up all I can from more experienced members.

If your monthly payment of your first house is higher because of the HELOC, your debt will be higher and the loan you will qualify for could be smaller.HELOC is a revolving account so if you max it out or spend more than a certain percent, it will lower your credit score.

I still am working a full time job but have been spending every extra moment possible reading and learning all that I can.