HI Andrew,There used to be a 97% LTV program they reduced it to 95% but its not a far stretch from 5% down to 3% down.I think for such marginal difference in down payment it will be irrelevant for the default rate of the loans as long as prudent income, asset, and credit verification is done.

Simply stating DTI was the "sole" or "major" cause is a bit of a stretch to me.

Sorry Bill, but 100 miles is not local enough by any stretch.

Using OPM (other people's money) is always the better way to stretch (or leverage) your investment dollars and quickly grow your portfolio.

While it is good to grow and stretch your capacities as a person it's also good to realize that acting too far outside of your character strengths can be really hard on you emotionally and psychologically.

Enjoy the New England fall :)Hi Winston - 10% here is 100K...........i barely have 20k. 5% will get me half PMI payments and even that's a stretch.

When you look at folks who have achieved great things it often followed great adversity and challenge.Step back, see what you have and how far you can stretch it. 

You really don't need to over think the concept that if rates go up, people will afford less, and those that are already stretched today, will get crucified (again) when rates go up.You are overthinking this. 

Usually that still allows for 400/month post mortgage/tax cash flow, which is the minimum that I invest for.I'm interested in finding some lower priced properties though, to make the dollars stretch a bit further, which is what brought me here.

Thus the question to the group, as I am looking to do the wisest deal so as not to pay mortgage interest at the same time not be stretched to have not enough funds to act swiftly if a deal shows up.