I would also add:What are your lifestyle goals related to real estate investing?

., buy and hold, lifestyle bizz, (Don't recall all of the specifics but I do remember listening to his episode twice on the road so it must have been good.

I want to create a lifestyle that can expand and contract to fit my goals. 

I have stated in other posts on BP that what our company does is sell lifestyle not space.

I'm in the IT industry but am looking to really dig into real estate investing because of it's potential to allow me to spend more time with family, live the lifestyle I want, and not be locked into a 9-5.

@Jose AlonsoThe completely numbers-oriented answer is to utilize your Mom's place, but that has some negative lifestyle aspects to it.I think you'll want to iron out the lifestyle questions first.

The first home was rented out when my wife and I took a 1 year sabbatical from the US lifestyle by moving to Ecuador.

I'm lowering my credit score, degrading my DTI, and on the hook if things don't work out (or you simply miss a payment when it is vacant) with a complete stranger. it's just peanuts and not remotely worth the risk.As far as your DTI goes, you should be able to manage that, if you have cash on hold and live a reasonable lifestyle.

got to rich club, lifestyles, and network at the jet lending event.

Shop around a bit, run the numbers, and see if that doesn't make more financial and lifestyle sense.