@Jason Schaefer just a quick thought if you have the cash, perhaps you can bid more competitively buying with cash then refinance in 4 months.

@Andrew Schaefer: I'm not aware of a specific list of things that the typical appraiser would look for on a conventional loan other than the house must be habitable. 

(@Isaac Schaefer in Tacoma) but I think youre right its always good to be networking and getting to know everyone around.

@Kevin Schaefer,So, when an offer is refused, do you just give up and move on?

Same as @Todd Schaefer, I have two homes that I once lived in with VA loans.  

Quote from @Kate Schaefer: We recently had two applicants go through the screening process for a rental unit of ours.

Old thread or not, that's a great tip @Stephen Schaefer !

Anyone comes at me with drama it's a non-starter.I do work with first time commercial buyers but they tend to be high income corporate earners, own a business themselves, have sold a business,etc. and so have considerable net worth and liquid to start.Some might start out with 3,5,10 million dollar purchase for their first one.I like what Justin Schaefer said about being direct on what you want when talking with brokers/agents.

@John Errico runs a meetup in Hudson County and @Kevin Schaefer runs one in Bergen.

I am a newbie when it comes to long-distance real estate investing and was looking at a property in the Joy-Schaefer/Aviation suburbs of Detroit.