Anyway, Hawaii is definitely beautiful so be sure to keep it on your list of places to visit--I recommend staying in Waikiki for a night or two to get a feel of that culture, but spend more time on the North Shore; it's less crowded, relaxing, it's basically a whole other place!

The culture that we established is VERY different than 99.9% of the other sites in the space, and that has served us very well.

Quote from @Matthew Irish-Jones: Quote from @Stephanie Bell: Hello, I'm closing on my first investment property in about a month.

Just my experience as both a buyer and seller's agent in my area - it could depend on the mentality/culture of the area you're in. 

@Matthew Irish-Jones care to weigh in?

But, I hope that it becomes the socially progressive, entrepreneurial, artistic, and culturally diverse example of what a city can and should be. 

Im starting out on my path in Los Angeles, CA due to density and a predominant rental culture.

Offer to pay them for advice to help you become financially successful.Meanwhile get an education, learn from other, get a real estate license, hang around real estate offices, read listings, list and sell real estate, get into that messy culture, lean to be positive, take courses on public speaking, take the Dale Carnegie course on How to Win Friends and Influence others, and read, read read.Attend public auctions, attend settlements, listen more than talking.

I guess it is similar to every primary residence house we've bought, where we have insisted on staying well below what we are qualified for, not the cultural norm.  

And in my area, they tend to be cheaper than sf, easy to rent, and have appreciated nicely (few blogs about them as appreciation plays)..The key is also finding an association where you even can rent them  (allowed by condo declarations/by laws etc), and even the organizational culture needs to be open to renters (many forums on restrictions).