I would say try to pump all of your real estate earnings back into it to accelerate your growth.

What is the best way for determining growth rates on items like expenses, taxes and rental income?

Also, I would suggest a great tax person who can assist you with the appropriate type of business to meet your needs and growth plans. 

It's a fun business that rewards those who 1) commit to education, 2) embrace the concepts of professional and personal growth, and 3) understand that successful businesses aren't built overnight.

That will take care of all the water damage and mold/mildew/growth issue.

My focus is currently on Wholesaling properties in that area.I'm a father and software sales rep by trade looking to make my money work for me and meet some great growth friends along the way.Brian 

Over a few years of constant growth you will be in a position to work part time, and eventually you will be able to let your job go completely.                         

I believe that there is a very strong rental market there with great job and population growth. 

I recently bought my first rental property in North Memphis, in an area that is currently scrappy but has potential for growth.  

The fact that a retirement plan will be tax-deferred means you can grow the account to a larger value than if you were paying taxes along the way with each investment.A simple analysis you could do would start with the following premise:If you have, say, $100,000 in a retirement plan, in order to take it out you would give up a 10% penalty for early distribution (if you are under age 59 1/2) as well as whatever your tax bracket will be if you add $100,000 to your adjusted gross income.