Oh, and a few wifi light switches so our outside lights come on automatically plus we can control lights when we're not home. 

Since we never know what can happen economy wise and we have no real control over it, we won't buy anything that gives us razor thin margins. 

I am here because the concept of becoming financially independent through real estate is easy to understand and appealing, I at least have some experience in buying and selling 4 different homes (all primary residence) and I can have some level of control in the outcome.I have a decent amount of capital available, about $300k liquid (that would require me to sell a few stocks/ETF's), I have nearly 50% equity in my house valued at just over $1M, and a healthy 401k etc. 

That said, choosing something that you control your life, like real estate, over working a 9-5 for someone else is definitely the way to go.Lastly, if you intend to get into investing start working on your credit immediately.

Have a plan to drive revenue, keep expenses controlled and stay focused.  

Self-managing also allows gives you control of screening the tenants. 

. , at the bottom of the box that pops up after choosing "Email to App" there is a link for "Control how your subject and body maps to your app." and you can choose what information goes where.

Personally, I need the control of at least being able to drive by my properties every so often.

In house is the way to go.. run it like a business with full command and control and you can do well..

I like the idea of having at least some control of how investments perform.