Based on the prevailing mortgage rates and the investment value of cash it is costing you $2 for every $1 generated by your equity.You only pay off a mortgage (buy with cash) for two reasons, because the properties are so low in value you can not get a mortgage or you are so fearful of risk that you probably should not be investing in the first place.

I’m new to the game obviously and I’m going to start generating off market deals and need a contract to lock in sellers.

I signed up for the gold club as well and been impressed with the wealth of information.With my 90 goal of buying 1 SFH with creative financing by March 31st, 2019, I am really wanting to automate this process of lead generation, calling the sellers by the help of a VA and answering service.

@Adam GoldbergSelf employment means that you have a for-profit business activity that generates earned income. 

What a great profession to generate cash for REI.

The leads are generated on the same website.

Since I'm stationed overseas, it's a challenge to find income generating properties before they're under contract. 

Many of our customers base their entire business around websites that generate leads and help them build their buyer lists.

You would be surprised how much information they will provide.The most expensive option is buying lead generating software.

If there's anything else I can do to educate myself, I'd love to hear your input.My long term goal is to generate passive income through buy and hold rental properties.