Make sure you have a decent CPA and use him/her to help you evaluate financials of apartment buildings etc. aside from just doing your taxes.

When the crash came, I predicted on FB that by the time this was over, the Greeks would be kissing the whips of their financial overlords after each beating and congratulating each other on having the wisdom to submit to such masterful masters.

@Simon Yosepov I can share with you a few local lenders that are investor friendly as long as you live in the US and you have strong financials then you can most likely get a loan.

These have greatly influenced my knowledge and I think everyone should listen to them if they would like to invest in real estate.

There’s not a whole lot of background information in your post (financial situation?

I also only sign up a PM if their compensation is aligned with the financial performance of the property (e.g. % of rent collected vs monthly flat fee). 

I'd like to understand the opportunity of keeping our current home (financials below) as a rental and see if that makes more sense than selling. 

This allows you to have all the financial security and easy access to your cash, which real estate does not, as well as affording you much higher returns than simply having dead equity.The same would apply to paying down your own home mortgage, all you save is the mortgage interest. 

My name is Willie Francis and I'm  a newbie to real estate investing, I’m working a full time job for the Railroad looking for financial freedom thru RE my goals are investing in Rental Property in the Houston area.

You will need a personal financial statement and provide two years of your personal tax returns.