The entire world is in a race to zero and beyond as evidenced by the amount of paper trading at negative yields around the globe.  

Unless your bank has a great employee deal a broker is always your best option and a team member you will need in the future.You are young, investing and growing wealth is not a race and if you think it is you are about to have a rude awakening.

Id love to get the info straight from the horses mouth.

I hope REI eventually becomes a means to financial freedom, travel, and a back door out of the rat race if I get tired of that.For now, I'm open to learning in any way I can: connect and meet with fellow newbies or experienced investors/lenders/agents, shadow/help on visits/analysis/renovations, or partner and lend (with my limited capital and after due diligence) on deals.

Glad to hear you have seized your future and decided to escape the rat race.

Anyone want to race to 10 units? 

I live in Charlotte NC and my salary from the rat race exceeds the median household income for the area.

@Jesse Carlson get back on the horse.

I would think for you to take ownership you would need to Quiet title. and the act of quieting title will extinguish all Liens and encumbrances..Jon is correct as well first in line is first in time.. or we used to call it a race to the recorders office

Then off to the races you go..