If you don't have the funds to buy rentals, you to get money (active income, day job income) to afford to buy those properties.Many investors choose to make real estate their active income (being a real estate agent, flipping houses, wholesaling properties,...) because those jobs create profits or commissions, meaning the more successful they work the more money they make.

Go on Zillow and look at all the active rentals in your area of interest (Zillow gives you a count).

The extra money every month is going towards *you guessed it* my student loans.It's smart to increase your income to, rather than be passive or active, as more income (that you report to the IRS) will help your ratio AND help pay down that debt in the meantime!

A conventional loan will require tax returns so your best bet is to stick with a commercial/portfolio loan.

Not sure what area you're in, but we're active throughout California. 

But they would not, in a million years, consider moving to the Midwest even though they frequently visit for outdoor activities/road trips.

This loss on paper, will offset against your active income on the 1040.

https://www.amazon.com/Scarecrow-Motion-Activated-...Not a joke!

If you don’t I would bet you can find a much better deal on the Fort Worth side of town.

I am a Active Duty Military Officer and have been interested in real estate investing for about 5 years.