Felt like a fail when I started stripping the shingles off my live-in duplex and counted four layers, lol.

If your doing conventional financing, when you guys buy 1 home it’s as if each of you are buying and counts against you all so if you ever break away all the loans will count against you buying on your own. 

Cash flow would be ideal, but for this particular property I’m most concerned with the location being one we’d want to live in (A+, A neighborhood, ability to find renters, needs cosmetic work but still liveable, and at least break even (not counting assumed appreciation).

Remember that cash flow is what counts.

The problem is I did not prequalify because the bank I used will not count assumed rental income on my current place.Additionally, they did not include my rental income from another duplex I own out of state.  

Are you counting the potential income of the unit that you will be living in?

I'd love to discuss any tips if not, just connect with wholesalers and potential investors willing to give me a chance :) I'm ready to make that first initial sale that everyone talks about.Just a little about me:24 years old and really motivated so don't count me out just yet!

I don’t BELIEVE simply buying in an opportunity zone counts. 

The full mortgage debt will be counted against you for loan qualifying as you are the only guarantor listed.

If that's a recent purchase and your only rental then most lenders won't count possible rental income.