Last year was the first and only year we had a negative cash flow, and that is driven by the anti-landlord west coast sentiment.  

Must be only one at a time, right?

In many cases bigger banks or lenders have specific programs that cater to first time home buyers and investors. 

@Ryan Brown  I've been a LL for a long time. 

My belief is that you will be challenged to realize a 10% savings loan n your first effort and there is some chance it will cost more than if you used a GC.  

I use a Manulife One and it has done wonders for paying down our primary residence (to a point where we were able to use some of that equity to fund our first LTR).

Closing costs, necessary cash reserves, and the expenses to get a property market ready are more than most first time investors think.I have nothing to sell and would be happy to help if you think that I can be a resource.

I was able to land a tenant within the first month at $2200. 

Hi Benjamin, call three insurance companies and get a quote, start there first.

I'm in Rogers Park, Chicago. I have several people interested in being my roommate. So far, I have two people who seem they could good tenants. I did find them on Craigslist though.My mom has one property in Romeovill...