We have looked at multiple properties and so far come across one where the numbers work out for our goals and has been superbly maintained by the owner in a market where it seems like many properties need so much work.

To me it's just another item to maintain and for them to break.

I have invested in other areas to maintain diversification and now excited to explore Real estate.My goal for this year is to save enough and buy a single family home by August 2017.I will try to learn and gather as much information as i could in this time frame.2 Year goal (2019)- Own 3 Single Family Homes and automating the whole process of buying and maintaining properties.5 Year Goals() - Own 10 Rental properties, retire from Job and move to a new city replicating the same process.

Does the continuing training associated with maintaining your license justify the benefits you gain (i.e. access to MLS or slightly reducing buy/sell costs)?  

I've found a few but they're for investments such as stocks/bonds/other types of securities.

Evap coolers don't really work during monsoon season because of the humidity and they are a nightmare to maintain.  

Anyone paying $440K per unit probably has a significant amount in stocks and is seeking some form of diversification.

I expect to have $1M in stocks at that point as well (already have $250K)

Currently all of my retirement funds are vested either in mutual funds or in stocks.

While I won't have enough to buy real estate, I have more than enough to engage in private lending.The fees for setting up and maintaining an SDIRA are higher than a "normal" IRA, but I believe that the income the money will generate will make up for it, after the initial year.Withdrawing the money and taking the tax hit would be my last resort, but if you are aware of the penalties and taxes that come with such a transaction and you are ok with the amount of those, it is your money.The key in my mind is to see which option fits with your overall financial picture and your goals in real estate.Good luck and I hope this helps.Ed