Lending to first time investors... Are banks looking for certain qualifications besides the money?

[Colleen Pelliccia lavin]

We're saving up to invest in the next year or two.  If I approach a lender with 20% down but no landlord experience, will there be a problem? How can I prepare now?

Thanks!
Colleen

[Jon Holdman]

Nope.  Not as long as you have the credit score, down payment and income to qualify for the loan without the rental income you'll be fine. 

I assume you mean SFR or small multi. A big apartment building might be more complex.