My intent is to start with small flips that I can develop sweat equity in and gradually work my way up to larger flips/ buy and hold single/ multifamilies.

I am very well versed in the "Moral outrage and righteous indignation" arguments and know full well they carry zero weight in a court of law. 

I’m not looking for a get rich quick vehicle, Im looking for a vehicle that I can gradually build on. 

I do think the Bernanke asset bubble will persist for at least 2-3 more years, but eventually the piper will be paid.However, when rates rise, assuming it's measured and somewhat gradual, an increasing number of people will be unable to qualify for home loans, and will remain renters, or become renters.

I would like to start with multi-families and gradually work my way up the scale to larger properties.

This is a goal for us all, no matter how your real estate business is currently weighted.

Though i do have W2 income, i have been told the focus of the loans are NOT the individual but it is the DEAL that carries the true weight. 80% LTC, 5 Year Loans, Amortized over 20 Years.

Still holding onto this dead weight question for the last year.

good agents are worth their weight in gold but can also read through investor BS very quickly.good luck and if I can help more just PM me.....Peter

Come up with a line of questioning that you ask every one of them and you'll start to form a VERY clear picture of what is going on.Any real estate professional that is worth their weight will be willing to take 15-30 minutes to talk with you on the market.