I currently work in the investment industry as a mutual fund sales representative and am looking at investing in real estate within a year or two.

This is when you will be able to tell the crowd what you are looking for and listen for other investors offering services that mutually benefits you both. 

I found it very beneficial to build relationships with these types and know all your options going forward so you can close on any deal you may find.

Now if they say that your debt to income ratio is not that good , taking out a HELOC on your primary residence will show up on your credit, so that is not beneficial for DTI ratio.

The biggest reason for me coming to America is that real estate here, comparing to Israel, is more beneficial and less complicated.

Quick Tip: This analysis is very beneficial to include in your investor pitches.

Are you referring to mutual funds, index funds or something else?

If you need to get a line of credit on them, it could be beneficial and it gives you more equity in the property.

@James Wright5-10 years is when most syndicated funds mature/liquidate.It is normally beneficial for both parties(sponsor + investors) for this time period.Investors are able to to formulate a timeline of when they will receive all their cash-flow.

The 3 people I rent to know are all federal government employees at my agency. 2 out of the 3 I know personally or through mutual friends and they are mature professionals. 3rd one was my mistake tenant that I have learned from and he's on his way out at the end of this month.