Hello,I am just getting started investing in Minneapolis and have developed a relationship with an agent who has since referred me onto a home mortgage lender.

That knowledge may actually be telling you "don't invest here".Find a market that works for your plan (once developed), then learn everything you can about that market...as if it was local...then invest there.  

So now your prospective homeowner has a crappy job, a ton of student/auto debt, and the ability to buy into a falling home price market.

I would recommend that you work on developing a strong buyers list with buyers who know what they want.

When I have my list of similar, recently rented, and still active homes in that area, we can agree upon a list price (as well as a bottom line price, for when the prospective tenant negotiates) and what are plan will be 15-30-45-60 days down the road. 

@Elena JobsonMy advice:My opinion- I know many people consider the house you live in an investment & technically it is, but from a business prospective until that asset throws off or produces cash we don't really consider it an investment.  

There really was nothing but it was not worth the fight and, in the end, their realtor told my realtor it was the prospect of living above this man that scared them off.)All thoughts appreciated!

Im a realtor here in OC that partnered up with a seasoned builder/developer.  

Owners who have not paid their taxes are always good prospects to call on.

I'm a freelance writer, journalist and blogger covering various aspects of the commercial real estate industry, from developing, to legislation, to tips and tricks, to markets to investing and more.