I have a one page cover sheet I add to each application with check boxes to show that they have the "deal breaker criteria", a section to score the "nice to have" criteria, and a section to briefly explain my acceptance or rejection.Our Criteria: Complete applicationVerifiable rental historySufficient income/resources to pay rent and liveCredit report showing prior addresses consistent with application We do not deny housing for race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, sexual orientation, marital status, or familial status.We do deny housing to individuals:convicted of manufacturing or selling drugsconvicted of a crime the poses a threat to the property or neighborhood, including repeated disturbances, gambling, prostitution, violence, threats of violence, or rapewhere there is poor prior tenancy: evictions, violations, damage to rental property, poorly handled move outs, amounts are still owing to landlords or utilities.who misrepresent information on the rental application

Tim:Since you're planning on living in the duplex (at least for a year, I would assume), an FHA loan could very well be your best bet.  

I guess I was less than clear and did a poor job of explaining. 

Don't go out finding properties with no rhyme or reason and hope to find buyers later.And I would bet if a buyer found a property on MLS he is interested in, he would just buy it. 

The second contractor , also started well and assured me that he had a license and since I was in a hurry to continue and complete the project I agreed without checking his license, it turned out that he had no license , which is okay , but do not lie,that might have explained the poor quality finishes and lack of electrical knowledge.

Forgive me if you mentioned them before.Also, I wouldn't bet on appreciation.  

Im a buy and hold only kinda guy, and I wont buy anything that i dont have equity on it.The biggest bet you are taking there is that the cash flow will remain the same, and that the market wont turn on you.

Every segment of every profession and life has their knuckle heads, but its blatantly unfair to group an entire group because of what have been your poor choices! 

We're all making bets that one asset will outperform another and that we can beat cash as an investment.  

The Great Depression is coming again but I would bet not for another 10 years.