And you won't find out if they were properly screened for a little while...Also, nobody likes to hear this, but you are mixing business with friendship, and unfortunately things can and do go wrong.

I've seen homes in Farmers Branch, and Irving which seem like areas that are up and coming would love to hear input on surrounding areas as well.Given the situation I've heard/read mixed signals about investing in real estate what are your thoughts?

Trended data is used and lenders will look to see how much of a payment you're making and what kind of balances do you carry each month.Credit mix (revolving loan, fixed-length loan, auto loan, etc.) helps your credit score, but that isn't something to really worry about.

I'm hearing mixed messages about being able to file, but the judge isn't actually kicking people out for awhile, etc.

I would be very professional, express concern, and tell him what your records show, explain that there is also a middle man In play (the property manager), and perhaps there was a mix-up there?  

Dealing with family could be really good, or really bad, its a risk of mixing family with business for sure.You have a few options that I see.  1. you all sign an agreement that says you are buying the house subject to the existing mortgage staying in place, and agree on a price, that way you DONT have to get a loan for the full purchase price, you just come out of pocket for the rehab and holding costs. 

Particularly areas with a good mix of home owners and renters, but still fairly reasonably priced.

I have an colleague who just closed on a mixed use with 4.45 and I heard another with a rate of 4.6 for a mixed use.  

I understand you don't want to mix the two.

This is more a question of the mechanics and timing of renovations mixed with how to finance.I may have the opportunity to purchase a 6 unit apartment building.