I am getting the impression that there is some information that my agent is trying to get through my thick skull but it just isn't registering.  

Just completed my profile and will be reading as much info on the forums as I can.I am looking to gain knowledge and discover the formula for making money and providing safe and affordable housing.I have very thick skin and will take advice well. 

Myself with 6 inch thick tax returns and no NON commercial underwriter can really under stand them LOL  its frustrating no doubt. but it was necessary to protect the industry.as @Chris Mason  a great private RMLO is worth their weight .. we use one in Oregon for our deals here I would never go anywhere else.. been 16 years with same person..

Kid w/in 2-3 years of future.I worry that by not wanting to be in the "thick" of Syracuse, and not going for rental properties, the probability of success is decreased 33.3%.I am trying to be vague on our specifics so hopefully other uses may see the mindset.Thank you,

Looks like you're already making headway on 2 of them -- just getting yourself out there and being in the thick of it all is half the battle. 

There are alot of private lender hedgefunds bear sterns etc that have invested over the last 13 years or so in sub prime and thet dont plan on loseing as far as the banks bailing people out i just dont beleve it thats a smoke screen to make the look sincere what they do is take there down payment and home and get the next guy in and take theres to if they dont man up and pay for it its not something for nothing in this but anymore you almost have to have a degree in economics to understand it confusion is there trick of the trade every business has them theres no crystal ball that says you will have your business/job/same income for the next 30years there finacials change and credit only the strong servive there is psychology within life/money please dont get me wrong a mortgage can work for you if you understand the loan witch is 2 inches thick and only a 3 day recision period but statistics say that you will refi every 5- 10 years need a new car college tuition new born etc and many many other things happen funeral and you need to consolidate and back to 30 years again they have all or most of the angles figured out or at least the important ones what you like is your fault .

You can install shingles 1/2 thick or 3/4 inch thick.

I think your problem is solved by;a- getting yourself hooked up with a knowledgeable BUYERS agent with ss experience, orb- Learning the short sale process and growing thick skin to deal with the sellers agents.

Spend a little of your money on yellow bandit signs and a thick black marker, set some signs out in areas you would like to invest in, and start the ball rolling talking to sellers.

There is a thick layer of dust and ?