@Ty Mason I'm going to assume you're looking at a pretty short time horizon? 

Time horizon?

The advise on not being overly leveraged is a sensible one although l view the underlining message as being around risk mitigation and understanding the time horizon you have to recover.

Real estate is ultimately local, so if there are opportunities where the numbers pencil out and you have a longer term horizon I would not hesitate too much.

Looking for wholesale or retail deals, contractors/subs for rehabbing, property managers and eventually lenders for a cash-out refi ( I'm being told locally that lower rate products are on the horizon in 2020, 2021.. ).  .. .Also, I love BP and can't believe the mine of rich information here ! 

Ratios will vary depending on ones' comfort level, knowledge/expertise and time horizon. 

The other thing that I’m thinking about is house hacking, I also figure it may help with question 1 and the time, since I’ll be living right there.3) Personal Life—I’ve been with my girlfriend for over five years, and marriage is on the horizon once she finishes her graduate program (another two years or so).

@Tony MarcelleHi Tony - I understand your situation because I am currently there but I see my first deal on the horizon.

Follow-up every two weeks with brokers, providing them with a piece of information that shows them your ability to close on a deal and asking if they have any new deal currently or on the horizon

I want to be a bit more conservative, especially since so many people seem to see an economic downturn on the horizon.