the wearable headlamps are worth their weight in gold...and a camera.

@Riley F. may not have completed a deal yet but that does not mean his advice should carry any less weight considering it was pretty damn good.

So, in relation to the balance idea above, if he get's to say 70% of available credit and then refinances back to 80% this too will weight down his score. 

I don't think ALL of those who weight in on the (lose personal deductions) argument have ever understood how to accurately calculate the comparison.

I put strong weight on what Shawn has to say about the indy market.

I'd run the financials of the rental option side by side with other investment options, weight the softer issues (location, suitability as rental, likelihood of appreciation), then decide.  

A good agent will pull their own weight and prevent you from overpaying for the property.

The experience they'll give you will be worth it's weight in gold.

Big mulit and commercial deals multi millions etc  yes... but even then they work with the title company and the escrow officer handles most of the duties Attorney may draft the note or Deed  and review.Maybe some of the CA investors can weight in and advise who they use for escrow closings. 

So these loan spots are worth their weight in gold to an investor.2) You had mentioned you were looking to put the loans/houses in an S Corp.