There are several benefits of having cash in the bank/liquid reserves versus an open end mortgage (a.k.a) credit card.

Horse stable in the middle of LA, 20 acres 1/2 swamp next to major airport in Florida, church with 6 acres in the middle of town, contact bank Trust departments and let them know you want to buy.

So on my Canby Oregon project 90 homes I did the PPM route with only 5 investors where I own majority and it is me that gets the bank loans etc and runs the project investors are all passive.

These strategies can allow you to acquire properties without traditional bank financing, which can be beneficial given your current DTI and income situation.

She did babysitting, banked about $7,000, invested the $7,000 into a co-op in downtown Los Angeles with another Japanese girlfriend.

Remember you are using debt to make this investment, not reserves  sitting in your bank account so I recommend a more conservative investment approach. 

It just means as a Banker I see the banks money as the way to get rich and save your hard earned money for retirement.If you use your money and fail you are broke, if you use the banks money and fail you sell or find a way to transfer the debt.

Philadelphia has implemented various forms legislation over the years between abatements, land banks and density bonuses geared towards promoting development in areas that suffered from disinvestment and housing affordability challenges with some legislation having been more effective than others. 

This of course depends on your starting bank roll - but if its like mine (under 100k) - Im trying to put as little as possible into it on top of initial equity and fees.this will likely chew a big hole in your ROI  (now if you are looking to improve value with a cash out refi or a great prospect comes along that needs combo new plumbing, roof, windows, foundation repair, etc - well just make sure you know what youre getting into and/or have a good contractor and finger on the pulse of the market when estimating the ARV YOURSELF - couple missed items and you risk having a bad first investment and not doing it again).    7) dont be scared be ambitious ( i should heed my own advice sometimes) 8) define numbers goals within your target areas.  

Bank will want that loan in your name.