There are so many options; we just have to pick the one with least resistance.

I like labs (the breed) and spend a lot of time in the lab ... and I can't resist a pun ... which is why I picked the "bird dog" avatar.kat

Resistance is out there due to the misunderstanding of this niche.

Water has a lot of "heat capacity" so melting snow and ice with resistive electricity can be power intensive.It would be very expensive to operate.Heated driveways are for rich people.

The itch to rejoin real estate finally reached a level where I could not resist scratching it anymore.

There are limits in place, mostly I think to prevent many old houses from suddenly going up in flames, but you are not limited to the amount necessary to pay of your note unless you rebuild.

The temptation is hard to resist for some hunters.

In all seriousness, I really respect your choice to "follow your dream" at such an early age instead of taking the path of least resistance and going to work for "The Man" right after college.Thus far, your recipe for success has been to work harder, not "smarter", control costs by doing all of your own labor and buying all of your own materials, living frugally, renting them out as you complete them and then, rinse and repeat.Screw working "smarter."

(private message if preferred) I'm always curious to hear the thoughts behind moving money out of one's primary market, particularly when the deals are small (SFR or duplex) and only accessible by plane if you need to visit the site.I've been resistant to do so myself over the past 20 years and have heard far more regrets than success.

Avoid online auctions if you like to gamble, and can't resist putting in "just one more" bid.3.