Our cost to do business vs the revenue a small loan generates would put us in the red.

This is a great community to be a part of, You all rock!

ya getting disbarred is a HUGE red flag..

Just make sure to check their credentials and experience, and find someone who can explain things in simple terms.Also, keep an eye out for any red flags, like promises of huge refunds without a thorough review or pressure to pay a percentage of your refund.

If you get a red card, you can not proceed.

I'm originally from Western PA as well (Slippery Rock) and now reside in Atlanta.Here is how I am looking at it along with the assumptions I am making:1) I think the growth prospects are better in the Atlanta market than Pittsburgh from a pure demographics standpoint.2) I estimate your return on equity at 7.2% currently3) Over the long haul appreciation is going to take you further when it comes to net worth than cashflow will4) Doubling of the roofs is doubling the expensesThings to consider:1) What is the year built of your Atlanta property vs. what you could replace it with in PGH?

As a lender it is a big red flag for me when I ask a potential borrower what the ARV and rehab budget is and have them say "well, the wholesaler says xyz".   

I have a 3/2.5 in Old Lake Highlands near White Rock Lake (~1 mile) that my family and I are living in as a primary residence, but I have been thinking about house hacking into another house and then doing a MTR on this 3/2.5.

This is my first purchase (don't want to do anything stupid) and the rents could swing 600/month depending on what I'm allowed to do in the basement - I'd be in the red from a cashflow perspective if I can't duplex them.Am I rolling the dice here / do you not typically find out for sure until you close and begin renovations?  

Being able to pick their brains is always helpful, both their successes, red flags, war stories, etc.And as Jonathan mentioned, the very first step of actually taking action is knowing how much money you have to allocate to buying a property, fixing up a property (if needed) and how much a bank will lend to you.