It is my third fiscal year, and have seen gradual growth, but not enough to where I think a Bank would approve me for a loan.I am looking to purchase my first investment property (4-plex) using an FHA Loan.

Thanks Brian, got it.Marie Poe, a healthy competition provides the impetus for growth.

There are also fears that the prospect of Brexit could impede any growth, not just in the UK, but in European economies and markets, the result being that property in French, Spanish and Portuguese hotspots are likely to be good value for money for the foreseeable future.

My ideal scenario would be to own a small investment company with a partner that holds a few mid-sized rental properties for baseline income, and supplements this with a few high-profit flips every year to help grow the rental portfolio and pay for lifestyle upgrades, vacations, etc.My formal education is an Electrical Design engineer, and for the past 10 years I've worked for large companies designing complex electronic (computer) circuits for things like Medical Devices, LED lighting, etc.

Definitely following this as the stories should be pretty good.For me I'm only 3 units in right now.However starting this year I'm working with a partner now and we're looking at an 8 unit building and a 4 house portfolio right now as well as bringing more private lenders on board, so we are anticipating our growth over the next few years to be greatly increased.

A seller selling instead here is a 5 cap and when leased up a 7 cap doesn't fly unless the area is just A++ incredible and very strong rent growth is occurring.It's all situational really and up to each investor on what they will accept.If you are syndicating value add then generally you have hurdles for investors such a 4% pref year 1, 6% year 2, 8% year 3 but their equity growth is the bonus for value.

Is the growth in price warranted for that area?

Favor areas that are the area future growth will occur.  

I get nervous when I have to assume rent growth, raising rents, hope that rents would go up and expenses would be static (unlikely if inflation is a cause), etc.

. :-)The market is now fairly 'matured,' so WHY risk another 2+ years without anticipating a 'correction' after nearly a decade, of growth?