I love the idea of one day sitting back after a lot of hard work and living off of the passive income I've built up.It just seems that at the beginning getting the pump primed is tough.

It is on my list to get some nicer cards more specific to what I do, but I agree the "tough" is most important.

Then pick up more specialized/in-depth books on the particular topics you want to dive into more.

Buying REOs is tough.

Are there crews in the DFW area that specialize just in this type of rehabs?

They specialize in investment property.Another added benefit in using them is that you can get replacement cost insurance but you can get it at a number that makes sense to you.

You proving they knew about it is going to be next to impossible.You could try to go after the seller but it being a short sale it's doubtful even if you won in court and had a judgment collecting is tough and likely you won't get a dime.Is the property otherwise okay except for this one issue??

Banks are tough but maybe check out some of your local banks.

This does not apply to those who have lost a job and undergraduate type professionals without specialized experience.

Cash flowing deals are easier to find in tough areas, but it takes a special type of landlord to profit in such areas.