Paint the wood trim over fireplace the closest beige to blend with the brick color, remove dated fireplace screen and stage inside the fireplace with staggered candles, or photograph while fire is roaring inside.

"Someone who spent their teens and twenties partying."

That and four twenty-four will get you a bagel and schmear at Dunkin' Donuts.

In my mid twenties to early thirties I lived in downtown Silver Spring and Downtown DC as well, both which were good. 

I spent the last twenty years in the service.

First, I would like to preface my response in saying I commend you for having this discussion with yourself, and others, in your twenties. 

Set a savings rate that is percentage of your income.Each month automate that amount out of your current account into your investment/portfolio account.That is you to keep and fund your asset purchases.This is capital formation at the household level.Anthony Robbins in his book, Money Master The Game gives numerous examples of individuals who followed that formula.Sir John Templeton related that he would save 50% of his income to build his business.A UPS employee from his twenties put aside 20% of his income to purchase UPS stock.By his eighties he had a portfolio of over USD70 million of which he gave away USD35 million to charitable causesThere is a warning on the illusion that wealth will somehow, one day fall into our laps.Each amount that passes through our hands is potentially seed capital, which can be used and allowed to go through the power of compounding then contribute to our portfolio growth.Bill Greene in his book "Think Like a Tycoon" suggests setting aside 95% of your income towards your portfolio to become a tycoon.Only spend 5% of your income on consumer items developing a way to expand your means until necessities fit in that  5%.

That was on one salary.Twenty years ago nursing was not on the top twenty job lists.

Buy same category house and buy something that you are sure this is something that you can live for the next twenty years.

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