We did a pre-approval with 40% down on a $420k single family.. we closed it in two weeksOur second purchase for an investment property took 21 days for the same price and down payment as the first. 

I spread it over 60 months and put anywhere from 5-10% apr on it.

White Fish skiing, Glacier National Park are all on the list of things to do this year. 

In many states, it is required to have a pre-qual to present with an offer. 

@Scott Graham For the most part I'd looked at SFRs that would be vacation rentals in either beach communities or ski(ish) towns. 

I sign up for a pre foreclosure list but none of the phone numbers work.

Offer had financial contingency and our agent outlined the terms of our loan (6 month interest only note at prime +1%). upon sending the offer seller's agent requested that we provide a pre-approval which my commercial lender will not do until underwriting is complete.

Talk to a mortgage broker and get a loan application moving.Start looking for a real estate agent, but don't waste his time looking at properties until you have a pre-approval from the lender. 

I just got a $100K HELOC approved, 2.5% APR interest-only for the first 3 years.

I just purchased a pre foreclosure. we closed bout 3 weeks before the foreclosure.