I will have missed out on a LOT of exponential growth opportunity.

I'm looking to learn from others that have taken the landlord approach on either SFH or MFH as their first acquisitions and what are some of the pitfalls to look out for.My background, I'm an Army Veteran that left that world to seek out new opportunities as a civilian.

If after you run the numbers, your monthly out of pocket is cheaper than renting then this is a good opportunity to get started.  

REI isn't a dart board, with decisions based on scattered opportunities.

Many say stay away from NY and NJ (which I do) but this also could lead to opportunity since their is less competition.

My wife has been very supportive of this dream as I've begun to jump into it and our three kids are a good motivator to plan well for the future.While I currently live in California, this is my sixth state to live in, so I've gotten to see some vastly different areas of the country and intend to start my investing career somewhere cheaper than San Diego.

Might be an opportunity to cashflow renting on airbnb ....but of course L.A and other cities have been 'cracking down' on that too..

I think that's an opportunity for you especially considering she's not going to be able to make her cousin leave from a familial point of view while you have no blood ties with the guy - and he knows it.I'd try cash for keys first with him if you can get a signature with the cash (maybe even include a clause that he gives up any property claims) and go from there.

I have not purchased any properties as of yet but intend to very soon.

Well good luck getting the responses you intended.