For those of you who have a vacation condo, do you use the resort’s rental program or do you market your rental yourself through sites like VRBO or HOMEAWAY and find your own cleaning company, etc.?

@Emilio Vernaza I spoke with a lender friend of mine that says he has lending programs that will work for you.  

Don't buy crap that you don't needThere are down payment assistance programs that can help you, but without your debt to earnings ratio and your credit history being strong, all the down payment assistance is not going to help you with the end goal of owning a home@Bill Gulley

That is one of the basic eligibility requirements of the program.

Along with being in an real estate education program. 

In 1998 I did a deal that played out like so:1- I had my agent find me a property in a so-so neighborhood for 32K.2- I offered 18K with $50 down; It was accepted.3- I asked the seller for the zoning certification and proof of title (I knew that my end buyer would request the same from me).4- My contract with the original seller stated that I would pay the balance in 30 days.5- I found a cash buyer in 12 days. 

what is the purpose of a 'proof of funds' letter, when is it asked for and under what conditions is it issued?

I served 4 years in the US Navy and currently work in the Hospitality industry.I have had an interest in REI for quite some time now, I purchased a program ($2,500) a couple years ago but did nothing with it as I was working two jobs and was "overwhelmed" which should have been no excuse but you live and you learn.

I am planning to move back to Louisiana in a few months and would like to get my real estate license.Does anyone how the best online program that I could study now and then take the Louisiana real estate exam when I move back in a few months? 

It's fairly straight forward and easy to use and it's a free online accounting program that I can access anywhere.