I wasn't raised in the kind of environment that instills that type of knowledge, but I'm trying to correct that now.I'm completely ignorant to all of this stuff, and I could use some advice on how to find a home.

If in 10 years the rate is 11%, you will have paid down your principal balance significantly and likely inflation will have happened, so your rents will have increase (and expenses), resulting in still solid cash flow. 

I don't know why everyone is so shocked that age old basic supply and demand rules are in still in effect.

The thing that gets me is that if a Republican mentions National Security he is labeled as trying to instill fear.

6% is average, not always common.The area i'm in still has alot of 7% listings.

Our public institutions for "higher learning" are primarily filled with "instructors" who are FAR more interested in instilling extreme political views on our young people than providing the the skills for such mundane and pedestrian pursuits like .. earning a living.

Helps with perspective.Seems like people and churches need to do more so that the government can do less, and they can instill more relationship and consequences, but it is a hard sell.I think the upper class can and should use their resources to generate more resources.

There are some solid counties in the Chicagoland area you can invest in. Still

The time is better spent learning the lessons OP has instilled.

I am 31 years old, and I was lucky enough to have a responsible upbringing, but even with that I am still learning - I think that they need to instill life skills classes in every high school in Amercia