For those that do not feel comfortable enough with excel to build out a tool on your own, I would suggest starting by taking excel courses focused on dynamic real estate modeling.

Use the two years to learn the area and I would suggest as soon as you can, find a duplex and start a house hack. 

.$140k offer8% interest rate20% down8% management fee5% vacancy5% maintenance 5% cap exI haven't gotten insurance costs yet but it's been suggested that I plan for $2k per year. 

Not sure if the upstairs tenant (heavyset person with a dog) plays a role.Seeking suggestions.

Design happens to be one of my passions, and I’d love to help you brainstorm ideas or suggest some cost-effective design solutions that could work for your project.If you’d like, feel free to share some details about the style you’re aiming for or any preferences you have.

They suggested 5-7 years and we settled at the 7 for the balloon.

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

Prior to diving in I would suggest a few things: I agree with @Kevin SobiloInvest in relationships and knowledge before taking the leap1.

Let’s connect and chat about potential opportunities—I may have some suggestions that could align with your goals!

So, Ray, what do you suggest we do?