But as far monthly payment you could easily buy a house in a cheaper location have less roommates and the same monthly payment or the same number of roommates and a lower monthly payment.

I’m relatively new to the world of real estate, having started my journey just 2 years ago.

Typically lenders will use the total rent being collect or the market rent given on your appraisal, which ever is lower.

If the loan amount you are looking for is small relative to the value of the first and the second property combined, they are very well secured on a LTV%; ask for a 1% point lower rate.If you don't want to Cross Collateralize, do you have any CD's or MM you can transfer to this bank as collateral. 

If you have every lived or have family you are visiting anywhere in the Midwest, that's where I would start.  

If your clients/or yourself put the time into learning and figuring out a niche in the RE world that excites you, start looking for deals that make sense and always run the numbers.

Start by getting pre-approved with a VA/FHA lender and targeting a multi-family property where rental income covers most of your mortgage.Good luck!

Mean while i would be building equity, and if rates do lower, or when the term ends, could refi for better rates and then maybe cash flow.My questions are:Is this too naively optimistic?

No guaranteed way to stop a determined, experienced thief:(Only deterrents that push them to easier jobs.The roof may be a good idea - until they figure out the just need a ladder to get up there and a rope to lower it down. 

i'm in Pittsburgh, lower price point than Boston, trying to do my next BRRRR, and I keep getting outbid.