Hi Broderick,There is no expenses per se to opening title because the expectation is you will close with that title company and that will make their fees as part of the entire process.

Maybe pick 1 in the Midwest, 1 in the MidSouth/SE and then a market with appreciation potential. 

I'd like to get a house near base that would be affordable for E-4's/E-5's + with families.

By what you described, I'm guessing you've been looking at plexes on the SE side of COS, near the bases.

Hello,I am looking to purchase my first owner occupied rental property in the downtown Grand Rapids area.I would like some opinions from other Grand Rapids natives.The property I am looking at is located just south of Wealthy st.You can view the property here http://www.trulia.com/property/3199391082-845-Logan-St-SE-Grand-Rapids-MI-49506What do you think about this location?

In fact one of my younger daughters dorm mates refused to move into the home her father bought & significantly rehabbed because it was simply too dangerous after dark.I consider the concept viable as long as the units all have separate utilities, 'conversion' costs are manageable & your company per se manages to run the maintenance side of things for the proverbial monthly fee.

No major repairs or problems noted.There's absolutely nothing wrong with where we live now, and we weren't even looking for ourselves per se, but I really like this house and would relish the opportunity to make it amazing.

They are not out to protect you per se, but to protect their bank accounts.I would guess that there are very few lawsuits that pay out that much.

@Bryan Blancke There are a lot of RE investors in SE Michigan and it is very competitive.  

WE GOT CREATIVE, we ended up using Equity in one of our properties as a down-payment on the next one. take a broader look at RE se what else you could do.