Welcome aboard @William PorterI sent you a private message if you have additional interest in conversing about anything and everything real estate related.Kindly, Ryan

I think if you have time, self-managing a vacation rental is probably your best bet, as far as getting both appreciation and cashflow. 

The hard money/private lender will want to see that your buying the property at a discount to ensure safety on his end and the less the discount the more money he will want you to put down.

Throughout the process I found myself critiquing the agent (just in private thoughts) on how I would have handled each hurdle we encountered. 

I sent you a private message, good luck Leon. 

Prices may be a little high (but with so much competition I bet you can find a deal).  2.

You bet @Richard Olshove.

If you're looking for appreciation, there might be something there in O'Fallon, but I am not making appreciation bets - just looking for cash flow.Eric

Hey friends,I've only done one deal with personal income, but I wanted to ask you seasoned guys how subjective is private or banks lending money??

Due to the crushing effects of the Dodd Frank Act and horrendous over-regulation that crippled America's mortgage industry, many Mortgage Lenders and most Private Lenders won't touch Primary or 2nd Home financing with a 30 ft pole anymore!