That being said, if you owner occupy and use PMI, it is an excellent way to maximize your cash on cash return.

They are old news.

Can anyone recommend a good realtor that has excellent contacts with lenders, contractors, and PM?

@Sean Ezeamama That is great news congrats! 

Material pricing and skilled labor shortages force contractors to be the bearer of bad news many times to investors working off of a 5 year old pricing matrix.

*If you use and/or have a great/excellent real estate agent, you can lean on their ability and resources. 

Same thing re contractors;   the best materials in the hands of bad contractors can result in a bad job where bad materials in the hands of expert contractors can result in an excellent job.I agree that when I was new I asked the same questions as you (many others) questing for the "best tool".   

When you graduate, you will have many excellent job opportunites and the time in school will count as time in the career, so it will be fairly easy to get a first time buyer home loan.   

I excelled and it brought me to different parts of the country (ending in Seattle) and I ended that career in the top 1% of the company.

That is excellent!