We are in the middle of our 1st/2nd deal right now and thought we would open ourselves up to questions and comments while we are in the thick of things and can give some specifics regarding FHA/duplex purchase and we are both self employed at 30/35.We were living in Germany (I am a German citizen, my wife is American) prior to making the move back to Cleveland in 2013.

I have come to believe that in order for each party to meet their respective objectives both sides must meet in the "reasonable" middle.

This is the fundamental problem I have with Wall Street who takes too much fees off the hard-working efforts of the middle class. 

But, if you hired a good company and they're doing their job, why would you want to be in the middle of it?

lets take in consideration the house is in the middle nowhere and it takes months for the house to sale in the area.

If you don't have any bankruptcies in the last 3 years, no foreclosures in 5 and you're less than 2x30 on your current primary residence with a 650 middle score or better, lots of people will talk to you; not Fannie Mae lenders so not Fannie Mae rates, but lots of people will talk to you. 

I was first introduced to IRR when I owned a banana plantation under contract for exporting to SE Asia and the Middle East.  

They'll give you a sense of what Cap Rates different property classes are getting in your area.As far as property classes, here's how I think about it:A class: White collar/upper-upper middle class, higher-end finishes, very safe neighborhoods, good schools.

Somewhere in the middle of my investing I quit my job and became a Realtor as well.

It's the entire stem wall that goes through the middle of the master bedroom.