The more the deal is financed by the loan the greater the risk it entails.

Have always rented and appreciated the freedom that entails but also eager to explore the freedom that income properties can bring.Probably unlikely to make investments in Cambridge itself, but will be analyzing deals throughout MA and the greater Denver metro area as I refine my investment strategy over the next few months.Looks like there are several local investor clubs / meet-ups.

She may say she's cool to do "whatever is best" now, but that may change once she (and you for that matter) gets a first hand taste of what "whatever" entails, and it may be late in the game to change at that point, so the sooner you can drill down to those details, the better ... and always remember my young friend "happy wife, happy life".If it were me and my fiance (who is now my wife), given our temperament, goals, and the current state of the market, we would likely choose to move in together in 1/2 of the duplex, rent, or move in with the folks if we could stomach it (which we could not) to minimize costs and risk, save like crazy, search out amazing deals to flip (but don't buy until/unless the deal was amazing), and wait for the market to correct to pick up another primary residence, bought like a flipper but with the long term intention of turning to a rental after living there.

Still learning what this may entail and more.

Dave, thank you for all the details as I have truly no clue what this business entails.  

The numbers would have to work, of course, above all else.If it is a crappy location and still cash flows, then great, but be prepared for being in a crappy location and all that entails.

If so, anyone know what this program entails?  

 I would like information on what all exactly entails when you flip a home?

Laughably, in all cases you would have been better off borrowing money to buy CDs in 1987 (although, admittedly, mortgage financing entails some special rates that do make real estate more attractive).

I have a good grasp on what they entail, but a reputable company could educate me some more.