You may be limited by time, money or other factors that would make some choices not feasible for you at this time.2) Set a reasonable goal for yourself based on what type of investment you're going to focus on.  

At that point they had a choice:1) Renegotiate with the current homeowner to start paying the mortgage again (possibly at a reduced value because it was the mortgage was purchased at a discount).- OR -2) Wait for the homeowner to miss one payment and foreclose on the property, thereby buying something for a deep discount if you don't mind going through the courts to eventually own the property.Has anyone seen this type of negotiation/deal with lenders?

Ed Young here, I work for Strategic in Agoura Hills (CA) and love it.

They're parked in strategic spots on very busy, commercial streets.

The important thing is we now have choices. 

That's an excellent choice for your first property.

There are a lot of "accidental" landlords (like myself) who bought in 2005-2007 who now have no choice but to rent out their properties, so you are bound to find someone.

I watched him at that job off and on, and really thought he would make a good worker for us. 2 years of of watching didn't help me make a good choice.  

So, if you want 30 year fixed, owning it in your own name is the only choice.

State it as an option where they can see the pet and you are compensated for the pet trouble.If they balk, it was their choice.