I have a certain threshold depending on return but it is not a mathematical formula, just a feeling based on my knowledge and experience, which of cause is constantly changing and hence the "risk factor information" is constantly being reevaluated.How do you account for risk in your evaluation of potential investments?

The answer to this question lies in the mathematics.

However, I majored in mathematics, and I have no interest in pursuing a career in mathematics as I found myself to not understand it or like it very well (not yay).

I've been messing around in Excel trying to find a formula or mathematical adjustment to get close to the adjustments the appraisers made (each appraisal from a different appraiser) for Gross Building/Living Area Square Footage.The whole point of all this is to get a pretty accurate ARV.

I have no interest in paying off my student loans early for the same mathematical reasons that many others have already mentioned.

lt IS more important to learn what you don't know and it is not about maximizing profits at the beginning of your career.What you learn from Phil or any other mentor will be extremely valuable down the road.Be humble, heed your mentor/s advice, grind it out, use your skills in mathematics to evaulate deals deals better than most, and succeed massively.

I enjoy my engineering classes and the mathematics quite a lot, but it is not the end goal. the end goal is financial freedom that is why I joined the military so I could save for 4 years and get a free degree and set my life up how I want to.

Others are on the use all your leverage train because mathematically it tends to make sense, but I don’t believe that’s smart when adjusted for risks.

Each bank is different and there is no mathematical equation (unfortunately), but I wondered if there was a general rule of thumb so to speak.

Mathematically, it actually doesn't matter whether the syndicator takes part of the money and put it back in as an investment (as the OP is assuming) or go blow it all in Vegas.