I’m a newbie too, and don’t own any rentals, so my knowledge is purely theoretical. 1.

If this was purely my deal, I would have already done it.

If you do not want to occupy the property as your primary residence, you can purchase a property with non-owner occupied financing and rent it out as a pure investment property.

Not because they were horrible investments but because they attempted to bind me to a location i didn't want to be in anymore.If you want to "Start" get your real estate license, learn from other people's mistakes and experience the wonderful joy (sarcastic tone) of being a landlord with someone else's nightmare.

. - conventional financing - the MI can be customized since the Mi is offered through private companies you can chose to pay it via monthly premiums, single premium upfront, a split premium which is a hybrid of upfront portion followed by a lower monthly than just purely paying monthly premium only. - FHA is 1.75% upfront and from 1.35% to 1.55% annually (paid monthly) depending on what your loan amount is and the limits in your area.

Seems to me at one end of the spectrum is the pure passive investors - those who invest in syndications as limited partners, own triple net leased properties with no management responsibilities, etc.

Also, that recent pop in prices has leveled off, so planning on that same equity build up is pure speculation (and not good speculation, in my opinion).

The basic thing is that it has to be owner occupied (not a pure investment).

My joy is that you have learnt your lessons and hopefully, you will not cross this bridge twice.For me, I am not a builder, and I dont rehab....I do not have comparative advantage and the skills to do that..I will rather leave that for the experts.... my time is too precious for me to spend lifting bricks......more over, it becomes another JOB for me.....I rather take a low return with peace of mind while watching my son play basketball games that sweat through 25%.

Also keep in mind appreciation is pure speculation that may not pay off.I would also not place any value on the tenants only the rent.