The first method is often preferred because it is simple, it is clean and easy to explain should you get audited, etc. 

When you start inesting keep it simple and do what is average in that neighberhood.Good luck to you!

Yes... a simple text immediately after a discussion with a buyers agent about my home (AKA your listing...for now) would go a long want towards meeting that goal of "5 Star Communicator".Turns out that bad communication is apparently #1 problem people have with their agents.  

Enter what I call "The Reversal Theory" put simply, it's the belief that with a simple mental shift you can overcome- or at least better handle- the anxiety that comes along with speaking to sellers (this could be applied to buyers and lenders but I want to focus on sellers now). 

Mail merges are very simple.

Those are just a few tips but a simple google search or youtube search might help provide more detail. 

Simple and straightforward.

I'm also looking at building Accessory Dwelling Units, but am thinking of starting with mere garage conversions...this approach seems to be more cheap and simple.

@Eli Alfaro The amount of profit you can make is a simple equation.

To be more helpful, here is a simple breakdown of my financial state: -Attending college for PTA degree, no school loans or debt-Working two part-time jobs, wife works as family nanny-A sizable amount in savings (I'd rather not state the exact amount in a public forum)My current thought is to do capitol investments with maybe a local fix-and-flip investor.