Very few of these people are what I would call financially successful, which at this stage I would define as having self-made net worth of $1-5M net worth outside the value of their primary residence.

Much more active than LTRs but well worth the time if you learn to self manage remotely.

So if it's easy to get a loan and you don't have a good deal in front of you put the money in the 401(k) to take advantage of an employer match and you'll have more to borrow when there is a deal.On a related note, if you're going to get serious about real estate investing you may want to consider a self directed retirement plan so you can invest in real estate for at least a portion of your retirement as well. 

I bought it with all sorts of projects in mind, but I have found that I would prefer something lower maintenance and instead to focus on increasing my income.The downside of a straightahead sale is that, now that I am "self-employed", I cannot get a traditional mortgage for 2 years.

Unsubtle self-promotion.)

Are you aware of this proposed change to IRAs?
https://www.handsoffmyira.com/...

Owners often look at this and think I could have done this myself for and the parts were only $25 and now they charge me X.We self manage and have an internal team, but if I would hire a PM it would be Welcome Home Milwaukee.

We will be self managing for now.

I used a VA loan 0% down, $9000 for closing cost and I am currently renting it out room by room and self-managing through aparments.com.

On my first few rentals in Concord and Oakland I self managed because that is the best way to learn…..A SFR that’s a rental in Moraga is vastly different than a 6- Plex in East Oakland even thought they are only 20 minutes apart.