The median household income is $73k+.

We have been to multiple real estate investment seminars however their tactics and more importantly their costs are too much for us now that we are a one income household with 2 children we still have at home.  

We also have to take into consideration that the amount of deliquent properties in the States is comparable to a large percentage of TOTAL households in Canada.

My dad's barely survived, and I remember money being tight in our household.

Had the agents do a police report and secure the household.

Households are eligible for assistance if they meet the following guidelines:(CREDIT IS NOT A MAJOR FACTOR)A) Must meet income guidelines - For This Particular Property, you must make $800 per month ($200 per week).B) Must have worked at the same job for at least 1 year, OR within the same field of work within the last 2 years.D) Must be able to contribute at least $500 - $1,000 toward home ownership. ================================================3.

We factor the 3x on the total household income, not individual income. 

Consider a situation where a person buys a house, holds it for one, two or five years and then sells.

We won't move into the house until the renovations are complete.Here are the details:- Home Purchase Price: $220,000- Renovated comps sell for $375,000 - $425,000- Renovation Budget: $60,000 - $80,000- Available Cash: $50,000- Household Gross Income: $145,000 (but daycare eats up $20,000/year)- Existing Debt: $0- Credit Score: 749The renovation will include the following upgrades:- (Contractor) New Electrical (first floor is knob and tube)- (Contractor) New plumbing (functional but has galvanized supply lines and bathroom needs gutted anyway)- (Contractor) New Gas Furnace or Ducted Heat Pump to replace oil furnace. - (DIY) Insulation/air sealing upgrades in attic and crawlspace- (DIY) Kitchen, Bathroom, and Laundry Remodel- (DIY) Refinish existing wood floors on main floor (and carpet upstairs if budget allows)- (DIY) Interior painting (and misc. drywall and plaster repair from other upgrades)The good:- Foundation is in great shape, house is level and square (as much as possible for 110 year old house) - Interior is bone dry with no rot or mold- Roof had a full re-sheath/replacement last year- Exterior siding is meh but in good condition with decent paint- Windows are original wood w/storms but well maintained with historic value.- Eventually we'll add a second bathroom on the second floor directly above the existing bathroom. - Some charming original details (porch, molding, doors, wood floors, fireplace)- I'm an architect by trade and both my father and father-in-law have construction experience and are willing to help with the remodel.What options do I have to finance this and do a significant amount of work myself?

The better half lies in above average performance on a range of metrics inclusive of unemployment rate, future job growth, per capita and household and family median income and more (http://www.bestplaces.net/economy/city/colorado/co...), all of which may translate to a better prospect for building long term with Colorado Springs real estate, as indicated in national appreciation rates, where it appears we are in the top three (http://www.estateofmindsites.com/subscriber_new/map.php?