In my calculations, I save for vacancy as part of the money I set aside monthly, Over the past 4 yrs I have studied, read, taken classes, watched, and listen to everything I could to teach myself about Real Estate Investing, so I could do it right when I had the money saved to spend to mitigate the risks as much as I can.

Hello everyone, Ive been doing alot of studying and research to the point that I now feel confident enough to take the next step. 1 thing im struggling with understanding is why is it set up to be harder to get funding for an Investment property opposed to owner occupied?

@Amanda Bennett I would study some statistics on urbanization before considering a rural purchase.

I took all four at once, online, and I took it seriously and studied for exams etc.

And there are loans out there for first-time buyers with a credit score over 500, as long as you can prove two years worth of tax filings and income, you will be on your way. 

Prove you are ready to do a deal, do your own analysis, and pull the trigger when it's time. 

I moved to the area three months ago from PA, the process of renting out my house in PA got me hooked on real estate investing, and ever since then I have been studying and learning about real state investing.

It’s been a really smooth process, at the end of the majority of units there will be a study sheet you can bookmark to look back on when preparing for your test, you can do it right at home and they give you a great timeline to do so, I’ve really enjoyed my experience so far. 

From my studies need 4 elements, Parties competent, able to contract, has to be for a legal purpose, consideration not necessary money( some say as little as a dollar for earnest money, don't know if that would hold up in court, and offer and acceptance. 

@Jonathan Greene exactly, if you can prove that you are financially smart, then they would be way more willing to give you money because you have a buffer of savings yourself!