@Patrick ThomasWelcome to BP, and congratulations on making the decision to invest in your future via real estate.I have written a few blog posts that may help you get started here on BP, and with your investing.

@Patrick Donnelly thank you

Hi Patrick! 

@Patrick Gomoljak It shouldn't be a problem to get a loan on the new house, then pay if off in a few months once the old one sells, provided your income can support qualifying for 2 mortgages at once (you'll have to qualify as if you planned on making both payments indefinitely, it won't matter to an underwriter that you plan to sell the old house soon).

Thanks Patrick, being that it's an empty lot (except for the mfg home), there's not too much to photograph but I'll ask about adding more photos.

Hey Patrick!

@Patrick Britton I've considered it but ultimately I don't know how much time I will spend in Bellingham.

@Patrick Britton it varies depending on the contractor you choose, of course, but, for a 4bd 2ba sfr, you are looking at about 50k for a gut (add 10k if any roofing or tuckpointing is needed), 20-30K (maybe less if you get a discount on labor) if its just a few cosmetics but needs new plumbing or electricity, and about 10k for cosmetics only.

@Patrick C.Small note: in a few states the buyer broker agreement is mandatory.

@Patrick Philip -I would not be too concerned about square footage of vacation rentals.