Instead of factoring in 10% vacancy and 10% for maintenance and repairs for example, factor in 20% for vacancy and 20% for repairs and another 10% for reserves.

@Daria B.Alberto Camacho Thank you all for your help, I spoke with Dallas CAD and they confirmed- one must be principal residence on January 1 of the tax year. 

Am I better off trying to put together a deal via syndication or as a wholesaler and get a cut and build up a bigger cash reserve so I can clear the defaulted loan off my report ( rent and cost of living is insane here so I haven't been able to)Does the student loan prevent me from getting any mortgage? 

I suppose different PM may handle things differently, but one I use keeps a small (300-500 per house) maint reserve that I replenish if they use it toward repairs.  

For all 1- to 4-unit investment property transactions, cash reserves equal to six (6) months PITI for the subject property are required.

Always over estimate your expenses, and then add 10% onto that for a reserve, and then add more for fun.

The federal reserve happens to have an article of sorts on this: https://www.stlouisfed.org/Publications/Regional-E...

Hi all, My husband and I have been looking to buy a duplex where we can occupy one of the units and rent the other, but I have some reservations on what otherwise seems like a great property and wanted to get your thoughts. 1- There are about 70 registered sex offenders in the zip code, the overwhelming majority of whom have been involved with children under the age of 14.

Second homes or investment properties are not allowed.RESERVE REQUIREMENTS If the loan amount is $417,000 or less and the borrower is not qualified with rental income, there are no requirements for cash reserves.

I understand I will have to confirm any opinions with a local engineer or land surveyor.