Is the goal with rental properties to create immediate financial freedom, or is it to provide for retirement as part of a diverse investment strategy.

We definitely need to make some connections on the financial side so we have the ability to grow more quickly. 

Tomas Montalvo of Action Maintenance Contractor.

I PERSONALLY know 50%+ of active investors in the area, makes it much easier to do acquisitions because I'm able to talk freely with the majority of the market to spot trends, brainstorm and help come up with plans of action for making the area better.

If so, then financially speaking you should access that equity.

Top two things to do are to:educate yourself on the different aspects of RE, figure out what makes the most sense for your life goals, and to pursue a deeper knowledge of that areafigure out your financial situation because that will dictate what you can/can't doI guess that was more than two things...

We would like to purchase a SFH in the area and my question is this: In the long run, what would be more financially wise, holding onto our current property and scraping together a small downpayment for a less expensive SFH or selling our current property and applying a $100,000 downpayment toward a larger SFH?

So it's not like Turnkey is pain-free, you have to do the work and know how to avoid being taken for a ride, like pretty much any big financial decision in life.I am always happy to provide info to new investors, as it fuels my BP addiction anyway ;) But before you or your friend make any decisions, it's crucial to have a serious heart to heart about what the goals are for the investment and what your needs are with regard to time commitment, risk, and control (do you need to be near the property, do you need to be in charge of tenants?).

We are hoping Real estate investing will allow our family to transition out of the military to a financially stable future for our 3 children.

Especially with the financial aspect of the business, as that is my weak spot.