I'm very interested in hearing each and every one of yall's stories on how you got started.

Maybe next timeBecause I could share a story - or even a dozen stories - that don't resonate with the individuals reading this particular thread.

Now the minimum standards your basement has to hit for it to be able to count as assessed sqft not estimated is a height of 7 ft, a point of egress (bilco doors) and a window usually in the rear, It's one of those things where if your going to go through the process of digging out a basement you might as well go for it and dig it deeper then 7 and closer to 8 ft so you actually stand out compared to the competition.Now the other side of this coin which I would suggest is if you're willing to spend 40-50k on a basement dig, consider adding a 3rd story addition if your a 2 story (think master suite, walk in closet, master bath) or an addition off the back and add a roof deck if your a 3 story (either master suite or just additional bedroom).

@Scotty Wo nothing in your story shows motivation on your end:(Mom gave you a houseYou have crappy creditYou spend more than you make with $30k in debt, despite having little monthly housing costsYou have no savingsHow will you rent out your house when it needs a new roof and water heater?

I've been renting it out since 2017. 1 story, 4 bed 2 bath in Frisco ISD (very good school district). 2012 old and generally in good shape. 

I always took my guest there for wine tasting in his Cellars .. eclectic guy and got to sit with him a few times and he regaled us with stories of being one of the first late night TV RE guru's .. he has done quite well in the wine bizz though..

Townhomes might be a different story if the dirt is also separately sold vs common to the 4 units.I'm no expert on lending though and probably plenty of people here have more expertise, but I've sold a lot of condos and townhomes in Dallas in lots of different developments, so just telling you some of what I have seen and experienced. 

Credit HistoryMany companies use credit summaries, but we find these rarely tell the whole credit story.

Maybe look at posts such as thesehttps://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/real-es...

Great Story thanks for sharing..