While I doubt I'll be investing here (terrified that property taxes and the pension debt will ultimately cripple property values), I'm always interested in meeting new people.

Depending on your debt to income, you might have to sell or have an executed lease to secure financing to buy the second home.

I’ve taken care of all my debt and am pre-approved for roughly $220,000.

Analyze properties by looking at gross rental income, operating expenses, and the debt service coverage ratio (DSCR above 1.25 for rentals).

Making the wrong hire, overlooking the risks, taking on too much debt.

I'd consider real estate debt funds and private lending but that's not on my immediate radar right now. 

The number of DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans a lender will offer can vary depending on the lender, your financial situation, and the property cash flow.

Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.

Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.

@Duarte MarquesPossibly but highly not recommendedFor those with no real estate experience or experience in taking on debt, it’s not easyTo do it also with little to no down payment or reserves in most occasions will end in disasterReminds me of when in high school a friend used to let his dog drive his car.