Larger projects such as shopping centers and investing internationally will be in the near future once I have established myself a cash flow.  

Find a local cabinet maker shop to make a unit for you. 

They also limit where you can shop, which is frustrating when you have to drive an extra 20 minutes past the lowes/menards to get to Home Depot instead.Plus, the 5% only happens if the guy checking out asks for it to happen - whereas with a good business credit card you can reliably earn points on every transaction, which ends up being better in the long run than 5% on certain transactions.

Michael - I think in the beginning , it is very important for you to find a broker who provides plenty of TRAINING - this will likely come at the expense of lower payouts to you at first - but with the right training , education, and confidence - you will have the knowledge and experience to shop around for a broker who gives you more free time and higher payouts - but initially, I would say that getting properly trained and educated is of primary concern.

As a first time home buyer, I'm trying to determine the best market to shop for a duplex. 

Hello,Has anyone ever used the CE Shop, Inc for pre-licensing or continuing education real estate courses?

I agree with @Dominic Lucarelli , call local thrift shops (if you have that type of stuff in the house) and see who will come the soonest and who will even take the trash and dump it for you (they sometimes have their own dumpsters behind their stores they can use.) 

There is a guy down the street from my shop who has a tree company , original mortgage was $ 425.000  ( bought in 2004 ) he hasnt made a payment in 4 years .

I believe the industry term is builders risk insurance if you want to shop around.

If you're still shopping around for a loan and need more recommendations, PM me.