I actually worked in IT also and contemplated buying a house there once.In terms of financing, you should look into applying for a FHA, USDA, VA, etc type loan.

Christopher, for a large investment like the one you're contemplating, I'd recommending going to Michael Blanc's site themichaelblanc.com and paying for his apartment building calculator.  

Just in case the mortgage does not go through for some reason or the other.If you know other flippers who do more or less the same as what you are contemplating, it can never hurt to ask them for a recommendation on which HML they found to be good to work with.Best of luck with your endeavors.

I've been contemplating whether I should abandon the direct mail campaign and contact wholesalers.

So the best thing to do would be to stay the course your contemplating and put a rentor or two in there.  

I've never read so much until I contemplated investing and now I can't put these books down. 

@Marian SmithI've never tiled over tile however I did contemplate doing so.

I think this may be a benefit to those contemplating investing in these sites.Real Estate Crowdfunding Company Reviews---3/1/16This review is for those who are accredited investors, have an interest in making passive income, but have yet to select a Real Estate Crowdfunding platform or platforms to invest their dollars.Let me start out by stating that I am not a financial planner nor do I have extensive expertise in the real estate industry.

We've lived here for a few years and are contemplating buying a MF here.

One more thing, if you are going to contemplate starting over, you must weigh the cost of extra hold time + new apprailsal costs and possible new other loan fees you will have to pay vs. trying to recoupe the $5k.The decision is clear to me.