These rentals are in the central Texas area so conditions like blizzards, snow, prolonged moisture, and extreme heat are not concerns.

I am extremely interested in investing in multifamily properties, and am excited about learning the ins and outs of this division of real estate.

Hi Vala,We run a GC Company out of Plainfield IL, which is not extremely far for us.

I've discovered just as many negative responses as positive ones if not more negative, which is why I haven't pulled the trigger.  

We don't need to be extremely proficient in math to be successful, we just need to understand the formulas and the numbers that go in them :)

Maybe cost you 7K for 3.5% and 1K for 5% (these are extremes to show point).  

Because if you have experience, this can be extremely risky.

So, to summarize, take action and start looking, but don't pull the trigger unless you're very confident you've got a great deal.

How to books are important but more critical are books that teach you how to think. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a must or a book I read recently Extreme Ownership will work on you.

If we DON'T pull the trigger now, and he DOES get out of the service, we are looking at a possibility of our 6 month plan turning into a multi-year plan by the time he has 2 years at a new job to qualify for a mortgage.Obviously we can't tell the future.