Does anyone out there recognize the equity in a project as part of the down payment anymore? 

@Craig J.The duplex is actually in Newport, but most people recognize Cincinnati much easier than Newport.  

Quit claims are not recognized by title companies in Texas...never use them in Texas.

I recognize any opinion on an online forum should be taken with a grain of salt, but I view it like crowdsourced brainstorming. 

I recognize that I am younger than most members, but I'd much rather begin accumulating knowledge now about real estate investing than a couple years down the road.

I think people support rent control in principal but do not recognize that its long term effects make things far worse by reducing supply and increasing demand. 

Conventional loans are governed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (if you recognize those federal agency names) and a portfolio loan is governed by the bank (their own portfolio of money). 

(I always pay my credit cards in full every month, and I recognize the riskiness of this strategy, also not sure if opening a new card would result in too much of a ding on my credit.)

I ended up having tenants from over 60 miles away that are turning out to be awesome tenants(trashed credit from sacrificing some things for a better future for their children, but genuinely good people).

You'll need a local bank that will recognize your value and give you the loan and the risk is higher because in 5 years the economy might be totally different and when that balloon payment is due you could find yourself in a bind.