@David C. there are many things you can invest in that you and your wife might like better:1) Performing notes2) Non-performing notes3) Private lender4) REITs

Steve - as for the need to replace, two of them are completely non-functional, and I've had to put in window units to get by for the last couple of months.

But I also do contract negotiations, marketing, operations and project management, logistics, web development, advertising, bookeeping and public relations.

I think we can all live with non-granite countertops!

Any profession in the financial arena, real estate, insurance, banking or investments on the retail side (involving the public) will be based on trust.

These are the people that can be worked/groomed into giving you some very good deals.Start making a list of addresses and visit your county courthouse to look up ownership (public knowledge).

I have been reading non stop for awhile now and also out looking at properties in my town.

I am always up front with prospective tenants that security deposits are non-refundable prior to moving in (and after the become refundable assuming no damage to the apartment).

Until and unless you are willing to learn the factors that determine both the retail value and cost of repairs your street credibility is non-existent.

In Atlanta it's GA REIA, gariea.org, or Atlanta RIEA, or up N on 75 N Metro REIA.