Plus, with no skin-in-the-game from you on this deal, why wouldn't you walk away the first time stuff hits the fan (it's real estate, stuff happens).  

Once you establish your game plan you network some more to find the necessary people to help you put the plan into action.

BelindaYes and no.....local banks and credit unions are going to want you to have a lot of skin in the game which means more % down.

However if a 3rd car is in the drive its a game of shuffle. 

As for the question about oil prices, I would agree with @Richard Spooner that Houston will not suffer this downturn as much as it did in the 80's due to so much more diversity in the types of industry that are now supporting the region.

Hi All,I'm new to the real estate game and investing.

It is like a stock market game. if you are looking at it long term though, do you think rents would drop as well?

Noble too that you want to pave your own way financially apart from your family.Recognize that it's a get rich slow game (which I'm sure you know by now).

I think you need some more reading before you try playing the game 

Ultimately I am an opportunistic investor who wants to be conservative on his first few deals as I have a young family and see success as more likely the longer I can stay in the game.