Bought a single family home that I was intending to rent out, but have since decided to move into it myself to save myself the commute I currently make from Bloomington.

I am currently house-hacking my first property and saving up/learning as much as I can to take on my next investment property.

Perhaps you can work past August and save up enough cash to fund your first flip before retiring.

Just starting out from Chicago here but have some money saved.  

It may not end up costing as much as you think and it can save you pain later.

Craigslist ads (post about twice a day and reply to every for rent post in your target area), Direct mail (send letters/post cards to every foreclosure filing in your county and then follow up with them again about 3 weeks before the foreclosure sale is set to happen), Drive for Dollars (when you see a house that is in need of repair, knock on the door, ask about the owner's plans).

Save up a personal emergency fund (6 months total expenses).2.

Add in the fact that the majority of millennials can’t get a loan and most Americans have a pittance for a savings .

Save the net monthly rents, and build reserve.

Its fun to think to yourself "how can I save a ton of money" and think getting the info on your own is a great way.