Unless you are a social worker determined to give the world a second chance you need to tighten your screening standards.

They might estimate what the payments will be when they have to start being paid or they might just say since they're showing up as $0, they're not going to count at all.But if they're reporting with a monthly payment, then, yes, your stupid loans might cause you not to get a house.It would depend on how much the payments would be, what the total of your other credit payments might be, and how much money you're making today.Banks have really tightened up on that DTI ratio.

Another thumb screw tightens

So look for a lot of lenders to start tightening the ratios and limiting the approvals they give out to borrowers!

At the end of the day the lease ties your hands up way more than it ties theirs up.3 months in and they're calling you, bugging you everyday cause a door knob needs tightening or a lightbulb went out, you're pretty much stuck with them. 3 months in and they find a cheaper place closer to their job they can up and leave and there's not much you can do about it.If you start off month to month you can always have them sign a 12month if you think they're good tenants.

Credit is going to tighten up on all loans.

As for buy and hold, get an area that will appreciate fastest in this market...You can retire early :DWith the lending market continuing to tighten, the increased housing inventory, and the recession, it is much more difficult and "risky" (very loose term) to flip in these market conditions.

To keep from paying out everyone's salaries have been held back and it tightened the noose around everyone's budget (well those that actually have a budget)

Be ready for a little bit of marital strain but stay focused on the team effort of reaching the goal and you'll get there.

Has the tightening of the mortgage industry affected you in any ways?