It's gonna be a starter home.

A house recently came onto the market that was cheaper in mortgage and fees than renting, so we jumped on it.The plan before was to have invested money in cashflow buy-and-hold rental properties out of the area, but decided that throwing away rent when we could buy a very good buy-and-hold starter home in a market that I know well and believe will do very well in a few years if we are ready to move out of it -  seemed like a good call. 

Chris,It is not a bad idea to buy a starter home first, then move up to your dream home in 5 years.

A condo where 45% of your business partners aren't current is a non-starter.

You might visit citydata.com activerain, realtor.com for starters.

I don't really know how to ask questions sometimes when I'm just thinking, so I like to try to phrase it like a discussion starter I guess.

@Ed L.In regards to credit, for the first card this individual can either use credit cards geared to students OR apply with Capital One (they are a good starter card). 

As a starter, I am looking to invest in 10+ units in emerging or high cash flow markets.

I believe for starters I would tackle c class areas.

And my primary residence would fall into that category.But if I put a little bit down and take out a loan for the rest, then I could take advantage of the low interest rate, first time homebuyer specials (like FHA loans), and that would leave me more money to invest with.I really don't know how long I would stay in this home - it would be a starter home and I would likely move out in a few years, and maybe rent it out for income.I would like to hear your thoughts and advice on this.