@Justin Kane I studied for a year and even had case history, they did not prove I owed the debt but the judge didn't care.  

I just don't know if I should go all in just yet or study harder, research more, pay off loans, and then tap into the market, but I also don't want to pass up such a good deal.

The laws in Sharjah about rent locking for 3 years makes it less attractive to me personally, but again I can't say much because I haven't studied the emirate yet.

Sorry for the delayed response - I have been holed up for the past few days studying and taking the CPA exam.

I studied accounting and international business while there.

During these first steps I have been exhaustively studying REI and my current market.

Really sharpen the pencil on these deals as mentioned above, and a couple of big picture issues..One, I would study or pause on making a four units into five as you leave residential financing and even check with a pro on if this violates the residential rider in the loan docs.

A better source than myfico for results based study of Fico effects is creditboards especially the stickied Master topics. myfico forums are a bit restricted in discussing certain things as they are owned by Fico.

get to walking and talking to people . the deal will come read study know your area make yourself available keep eyes open for sellers and buyers alike. remember a seller was once a buyer. i'm starting out too i'm always talking business. i just got a private lender from an agent i just met it works if you work it .  

To echo Chris above, and in broad strokes, comb your records and look at capital projects for upping your basis, and they likely would have come in the form of an assessment, like for something major such as a new roof, new siding, etc or something you paid for the interior, then study up how to adjust your basis or see an accountant..