Once you get one of these babies under your belt however there should never be a rehab job you can't handle and you learn how to pick your projects with a far greater knowledge of what will be involved time wise and money wise. 

For example, if the house is worth 110k and the owner owes 100k, but is late 20k on payments and the loan has only 25 years left or something like that I think an investor would be wise to pay the 20k past due payments, pay you assignment fee, and then they lock down a 110k property for only 20k (no loan hassle or anything).

James Wise has a point.

I think with your fico score, it's probably not the best deal you can get , point's wise.

It takes good, old-fashioned common sense and some wise advice from people who’ve lived through the ups and downs in any real estate market, along with your own financial considerations.

Looking to purchase soon.Have renters (friends of the family) moving to FL and are in need of a rental.I am looking to purchase my first investment property---Timing seems right.Seems to be a TON of short sales and foreclosures....not sure if that is a wise move on the first deal or not.....Any advice, leads, ideas, etc are most welcome!!

It was easy for me to maintain and gave me a taste of what real estate is like (rental wise).Since you are handy maybe buy a small house to flip, fix up or rent.  

Lastly, your balance sheet, net worth will be the same or better investing the difference or wisely employing the additional capital you can realize from the above.But, a 30 year is not the best for everyone as each investor has different needs and goals.

Do you think it is wise to separate your personal political ideals, or do they have a place in your business? 

Thanks for the advice @James Wise!