I will have the capital together this summer to cover a down payment plus the additional mortgage insurance required on an FHA but would struggle to cover closing costs until next year.

inspiring, I'm closing on my first rental (duplex) in 30 days.I'm struggling with funding on future projects, I know networking is key.

Happy to answer questions you have.I definitely recommend the podcasts as they have been huge in not only motivating me to keep pushing but are filled with great ideas on every aspect of REI.If at the end of the day you are still struggling with how to evaluate deals, then I would recommend finding someone local to mentor you.Good luck!

Some people go through a lot of struggles and pains just to maintain their good name, instead of taking the easy way out.

My wife is beginning to struggle with the winters, being from England originally, so we may have to adopt a "snowbird lifestyle"!  

Build relationships with people and as those relationships grow, ask them what they're struggling with and see if you can help them in any way (for free)! 

But I'm struggling with estimating repairs when doing deal analysis.In "The Book on Rental Property Investing" by @Brandon Turner, Brandon identifies and fills out estimates for 24 main categories of repairs (carpentry, electric, painting, siding, windows, etc.) on page 126.

I'm struggling with determining what is the appropriate ownership split. 

We are struggling with finding buyers.  

Its been a bit of a struggle finding something in a good area that will cash-flow and is within my budget.