My goals for RE -  Create WIN/WIN situations for everybody involved in a deal, but understanding that WE need to make money to become efficient.- Creating a presence in the local market and working with other investors / realtors.

So i was thinking...there's a conventional loan program available to me that only requires 3% down, and I can finance the remaining 97% over 30-years @ 3.7%.Would it be crazy for me to pick up a property, and seller finance the property to one of these Hispanic buyers @ 20% down, financed 15-year @ 10%?

Great way to pick up some good info and possibly a deal.You can also search NARPM.org for the RMP (Residential Management Professional) and MPM (Master Property Manager) certified.Download BP’s newest book here some good due diligence in Chapter 10.

If it's low equity I generally show them -Selling w an agent, paying 8 to 12 per cent in not just commissions but closing costs, sellers concessions, waiting to sell costs, like PITI and utilities, and spruce up costs like fresh paint or mild landscaping-Renting, paying a property manager, risking damage and eviction costs, lost rent-option one - Owner finance - I take over PITI and maintenance -option two - I find a lease 2 own buyer for free, 24 payments, then house mortgage is paid off, you pay insurance and maintenance Seller picks his solution If he picks option 1 or option 2, I tell him how fast I can do it, and I dictate terms, I am the solution provider

If there are any local investors here who would like to teach me the ropes and meet up locally to just let me pick your brain, please let me know and get in contact with me somehow.  

I would see if that seller, your PM, is willing to consider picking up a part of the replacement expense, since you received a credit for less than half the replacement cost, but two years is far less than half the life expectancy of a roof.

I just wanted to introduce myself and pick some brains here as I make my foray into real estate investment. 

I recently picked up a short sale for 6k and another for 10k.

It sounds like you're in the perfect position to pick up a multi-family property as owner-occupied. 

Just picked up my third house in an all-cash deal, and I still have my personal loan LoC to use for something else.As long as the borrower has the requisite willpower, I think it's a good route to finance your REI dreams.Congratulations, Tony.