If your first investment goes South you run the risk of putting your home in jeopardy.

I am looking for anyone willing to work with me to get my portfolio up and running.

If you are running into DTI issues, I suggest looking into DSCR loans.

(That last one might qualify for what you are trying to do, but you're going to run into some underwriting barriers if you simultaneously increase the rate and payment without a very strong reason--and accessing cash for real estate investment is probably not going to be what they want to see, depending on the lender).2.

Ebooks, podcasts like @Bonnie Low suggested and start running numbers on every deal you see until you know how it all works.

These are the types of properties I'm now targeting.I'd imagine the biggest challenge you'll run into is finding multi unit properties.

And over the long run, that area is one of the best areas in the country for long term growth. 

Since you're familar with commerical development, most enginering firms, and attorneys work on both residential and commerical. 

I am open to any names that you would be willing to share and putting together a list of repairs/tasks to run past them to gage their interest. 

I personally would recommend it but it isnt the best run 3 day.