@J Scott , great to get your input and hear from you. b/t/w I just bought your books here on BP but haven't had a chance to finish them yet.

@David T.

My "guru" put everything together in a step by step process that suits my strengths and weaknesses to a T in a format that was presented by experienced proven professionals.

Oh, and @Amanda T., check out each bank's website too...sometimes they give business/investor-specific information regarding mortgages.And, don't be afraid to ask multiple people the same question; I've run into those who give me one answer and someone else who says "they didn't know what they were talking about; here are the facts". ;-)

Large and medium size lenders will usually follow policy to the "T" small ones may be more flexible seeing what is in their best interests.

I usually try to get it down on paper by using the tried and true 'T'.

The NC Bar and Realtors no longer have an "options" form (used to be Form 8-T) so I'd guess there isn't much of that type transaction going on in my state.

William T.

I don't have any pictures of myself with my shirt on.

Then I would casually look around for some properties which suit your personal interests.