Don’t be that ‘Shelf’-help guy or use the crux “oh I need to read and get more educated”.

Have stable employment in the same industry for 2+ years. 

The down payment and interest rate are far less important than what the monthly mortgage payment. it is important that you are financially stable so you can live comfortable while still accounting for savings and life’s financial surprises.

I got into REI when I saved enough money (roughly $35K cash) and had a stable job, but I could have started well before that.

Also, learn about self-directed retirement accounts so you can tap otherwise idle funding sources and - for your family and friends - provide opportunities for more stable investments and better returns with less risk.3.

I can get another off the shelf for$278 at H/D.

So he said to the bank Why would you issue me this policy and they told him his income is not good enough / stable / whatever.

In my area that seems to be the best balance between ROI and having stable rentals with less dramas and management headaches.

@Jacob Pereira3% is prevailing on public listings (think LoopNet) but that is on a stable complex without a lot of deferred maintenance or other issues.

Great income at 4.7 times the monthly rent, stable career track with consistent promotions every couple of years, liquid savings equal to 18 months of rent, good 5 year rental history with favorable feedback from all prior landlords indicating all rent payments were received timely and zero damage or any other issues occurred at prior rentals.However, the individual has a credit score of about 550 with debt that includes $10k+ in credit cards which is all past due, $30k in student loans, $30k car loan, $30k in other debt, and unpaid collections from three different businesses originating 4 years ago.Would you rent to this individual considering they have demonstrated they consistently pay rent on time, take care of the properties they rent, and have good income & career history, or would the credit score steer you away from this individual?