I need to hire a structural contractor to do some reinforcement in the foundation of a duplex I'm purchasing in Chapel Hill, NC.

He told me (which I already knew to do instinctively and thanks to reading here at BiggerPockets, but good to be reinforced) to put together a lending package that included: 1) a cover letter explaining the credit history; 2) an "About Me" profile on myself, explaining how my career experience and other factors will translate to success as a a local income property investor and property manager; 3) an "About My Team" profile demonstrating that I have the network and support to succeed.I am fortunate to have a kick*ss team and, frankly, a similarly strong toolkit of personal attributes that don't necessarily ensure success but make it a helluva lot more likely.

I finally made a "Committment" to myself to learn the right way to make it happen Thank you, for the reinforcement.

Seller says Section 8 inspections have not required any repair on this issue either, but my untrained eye says that some concrete block should be added to reinforce the small addition.

However, I am encouraged more by your attitude than by your successes and it's good to have reinforcement that mistakes are not an automatic period in every sentence.Long may you prosper, Sir.

Also, reinforce you have given the tenant an out that he needs to take in a specified time period.

I am asking this question to hear stories from established investors to reinforce what most people already know, that patience and understanding is needed in this business.

I always reinforce the idea that they need to call or text if anything changes and they can't make it. 

Reading this reinforces how smart some of the Real Estate investment strategies Biggerpockets members are deploying in markets not called NYC are! 

Thanks everyone for your input - it really helps to reinforce the need to stick to my screening criteria and not be swayed by an upfront payment.