My businesses are realitively new, but I’ve managed to grow from $2000 in my bank account as a lowly enlisted army soldier to owning 6 properties in my first year and a half.

I kept bumping into this website when I was analyzing properties on auction site... Im glad I joined. It's amazing how many friendly people are here! I'm trying to set a goal of obtaining my first deal by end of A...

On the other hand, I could have sat and complained that I didn't have enough capital to continue to grow my portfolio and only dreamed about the next steps (i.e., that would be 'interested').

Would you want to pay out of pocket and use all of your $ and grow from there without getting into debt or would you try and get financing and go bigger?

My initial goal was to live here for 5-6 years and then rent out once my family grows. 

Another benefit is that students look for new housing for the upcoming school year at the end of the current school year which creates good demand and the best units always rent first.

Additionally, send a demand letter to the buyer for the earnest money if they failed to obtain approval within the required period in the contract. 

Study your market to determine what the higher demand is and act accordingly.

I am also in a population centre growing fast.

Just have to figure out what you can and cannot do then figure out if its worth your effort and time on a personal level.. the fact is .. real estate is location , location, location  and supply demand and available credit supply the values.