Is it really this easy?

So....as I left off in my last post, I was 22, and had completely figured out the real estate market....in one property. After closing costs, I had a check in my hand for about 59 grand. Holy crap. How I managed to not squander that in a matter if months is beyond me. What I did do, was start looking for another property....

I was single at the time, working full-time as a supervisor at a popular coffee shop chain(hint: rhymes with bar shmucks) making about 24k/yr. I found another condo, just down the road a bit, listed for 45,000$. It was a bit smaller, 1 bed 1 ba 600 sq ft. The price was right though and I scooped it up. The deal was similar, I felt comfortable with the lender and terms. My payment was even less this time around....considering my super sweet credit score of 790! Utilities and all....that place cost me about 500$/mo. 

At this rate, I was going to retire at 32. Seriously, that was my goal. 

My best friend had moved to Long Beach a couple of years prior and had been begging me to go as well. She finally convinced me, so I decided to rent my place out. I knew nothing about being a landlord, so we agreed $450 was a fair price. It was to my friend Jes....the same friend that sued Walgreens, mentioned in the last post. I didn't mind the $50/mo loss. Hell, I still had over 40k in the bank, and my full-time job. This was literally one of the easiest financial situations I've experienced. Except when I was like 9 and my parents paid for everything and I had zero concept of the value of a dollar. I doubt that applies though.

A couple years went by, I kept my place rented....and I was a renter. That sucks, by the way, paying someone's mortgage after you've had 2 of your own. Anyway, Jess decided to move out of state, and I thought it might be a good time to sell. Turns out....It was now valued at over 100k! I couldn't believe my luck. The second property I've purchased has more than doubled in value, just like the first. I left closing with another hefty check and my bank account was at a juicy 95,000$. Not bad for 26 years old. 

2005 was right around the corner and property values were sky rocketing....which meant only one thing: I'd better buy some properties quick! 

With my flawless system....what could ever go wrong?