One item I can add from being a guest at a STR...keep up on your pest control (this includes mice/rat control). 

My wife and I both have very stable and good W2 jobs, but I need out of the rat race.  

If your plans for the future are crushed and you feel like giving up because some dude on a web forum like me (whatever my "stats" are and what's in my profile) told you they were unrealistic, maybe I'm right and maybe I'm full of crap.My wife and I are a fantastic example of how real estate can be a thoroughly viable option to change your life and find a way out of the rat race.

Hello Stan,We all have dreams/goals, and without those we can't accomplish them, and go to join the rat race.1.

Have been looking into Commercial Retail shops, laundry mats, etc. but I am a bit unsure how much I could "purchase" with my current cashflow/down payment.

@Mat FisherMost programs are very expensive which is why it’s easier to pay a servicer $25-$35/month th manage that process and they will also do all the tax forms and handle escrow

I'm thinking about buying a laundry mat, but have no idea where to start. 

So I'm now beginning to reach out and see what need to be done to escape the rat race. 

Accumulation of weeds, vegetation, junk, dead organic matter,debris, garbage, offal, rat harborages, stagnant water, combustible, materials, and similar materials or conditions on a premises constitutes fire, health or safetyhazards.Violation 2: Enter/Occupy Posted STRUNarrative/ Ordinance Description: No person shall enter or occupy the residence due to fire damage and hazardous conditions.Violation 3: Heating facilitiesNarrative/ Ordinance Description: No heating due to no power PG&E pulled the power.

Fellow gym rat here!