Quote from @Mary Jo Carruthers: @Albert Hepp Did you know that there are quite a few non profits and also the city of Austin in the austin texas area that provide down payment assistance for first time home buyers?

A friend of mine rented her property near a base and connected with military housing officers at the Family Support Center, which helped secure steady tenants.

I have ZERO intention of making any payments on these contracts, nor do I want the equipment.

I would offer it on a land contract to someone wanting to live there for around 1500 and small down payment or sub2 with a large down payment and monthly that would cover PITI.

But those didn’t cash flow as good so I threw more $ down or my lender gave me a much better interest rate with a bigger down payment.

Your strategy of partnering for the down payment is exactly what I’m working toward—leveraging relationships to make things happen.

With the income issue, there are screening systems available that verify income by having applicants securely log in to their payroll provider, which then shares their gross and net income with you.

Some other banks will tell you 40% to manage your expectations but if you have a good credit and a the deal makes sense, the down payment shouldn't be above 30%.As to the managing of properties, if you can self-manage out-of-state in the US, there are no reasons as to why you couldn't do it internationally too and some investors do.

You have a payment once you borrow against it, but not before. 

Post '08' people had the luxury to analyze for "cheap" vs the pre-'08' pricing and feel a sense of security in there current price acquisitions.