.: My first investment property happens to be my first home purchase, so my questions are hopefully basic for anyone experienced here.

(I know, nothing is certain but just hypothetically) and all cash out loans are not created equal. if you have a lot of equity you can borrow up to 60% with the lowest rate possible, which would be close to a half point lower then borrowing up to 75% loan to value. 

I had read Rich Dad, Poor Dad, and this property fit the bill for something we could live in while going to school.

But then I was thinking to myself, the lot directly behind my current rental, in a fairly mature neighborhood, is empty. 

Many agents won’t analyze your numbers for you, so it’s essential to be creative and understand how to add value to a property or land.

But as you introduce more units, that dynamic starts to change.

After 45 + years as a real estate investor, broker, lender, fund manager and syndicator, I’ve become aware that the “dream” of many investors and investor “hopefuls” is to be able to generate enough cash flow to live off their real estate holdings and accumulate enough wealth to make “work” optional.

So, it's still NOT a good idea to try to invest by zip codes - which are too big in our opinion/experience.

I am in contract on a duplex in Grandview where I plan to live in one side and rent out the other.  

I like to compare services and packages before choosing any vendors, and thought this might be a good place to check for feedback.