I don't want to deal with zillow's middle man. 

I am in the middle of purchasing my first home using a VA Home Loan.

I did a couple long term live-in "flips", but nothing at a quick pace (hence first "serious" deal).

These are the only 2 I've read cover to cover:Long-Distance Real Estate Investing by David Greene (Loved It)ABC's of Real Estate investing by Ken McElroy (Interesting read right after the above because he has a different view)And I'm in the middle of a few others:The Book on Rental Property Investing by Brandon TurnerThe Complete Guide to Real Estate Finance for Investment Properties by Steve BergesMulti-Family Millions by David LindahlThe Millionaire Real Estate Investor by Gary Keller

Sierra,This is why we require tenants to have a renters policy.In this circumstance, I would probably split it down the middle.

That was middle of the road finishes.

I am in the middle of the mortgage process to buy a live in flip (170k purchase, arv 260k+) and i have the opportunity to get a Private mortgage for 60k @6% against a rental that's free and clear.

It is likely not the best investment property or deal I could have found, but it was a middle-ground for us and will allow me to begin adding to my real estate portfolio.

Basically you’re asking a owner to lease to you so you can sublease to a third party and be the middle man.

I suspect that we will all be waiting a lifetime to see rates back to were they were 2 to 4 years ago.. so I would not bank on that.. as for pricing.. if its a place to live then you certainly can just wait and see.. its not like your homeless or need to move other than you don't care for your neighbors.. markets always slow about now.. what will be telling in my mind is were we are at next Feb March April in the buying season as it were.I was in a conference this week here in Vegas and some of the speculation is that many of the commercial type loans that had 5 , 7 and 10 year calls  are going to stress those that had max leverage.. as the rates rise the cap rates rise to keep pace thereby devaluing the properties.. to the point some of these investors are going to need to bring some to significant amount of fresh capital to pay down their debt to get a refi.. and that will stress those assets and there could be a real buying opp in that sector.. at least that's what I gleaned from the talk I listened to yesterday... hope you find that dream home in the country !!!