I have lots of clients in the same boat- just getting started and trying to make the best possible choices as they move forward.

Good choice:  No BAD deal get's better! 

Also in this neighborhood the historic planning people have building codes like paint colors and window choices you must follow.

I hope to use this education as well as several years experience in residential remodeling to make smart real estate investment choices.

Success is a process, failure is a choice

Mark TwainJust be smart, don't make rash decisions.

Assuming the rents cover your expenses, in 30 years when the mortgage is paid off, and you’ve done the smart thing by raising the rents over the years, you will be sitting on a multi-million-dollar asset that cash flows thousands of dollars per month at the cost of a measly $20k or so out-of-pocket when you were 20-something.

If you are above that 50% threshold, you're likely taking on more risk than is smart, IMO.Now, depending on the equity in your other properties, you may be able to do a cash-out refinance and make the numbers end up in your favor so you have enough money down to get below the DTI limit, but that takes time.Just curious, are you finding properties in Seattle that can cash-flow from Day 1?  

I don't you would be gaining enough in equity to make it a smart investment, so you better be getting a good enough deal that you could turn around and sell it for a profit once you get the rents up or you better have a strong case for it appreciating.  

I just want to educate myself so I can make a good choice when the time comes.