Debt to Income - DTI - is only use on FHA, conventional, Va and other typical residential transactions (consumer front).If you're going to a portfolio lender they look at lending from a 1.25x DSCR point of view (industry standard) which in essence is a 80% Debt to Income if you think about it.1 dollar of debt / 1.25 dollars of net operating income (NOI) = 1.25 X DSCR = 80% DTI Never the less us bankers joke about it all the time because it might be crazy from a residential loan officers point of view but in the banks eyes its not from a commercial point of view.The commercial bank views income property as a consistent sustainable source of reocurring income especially in stronger rental markets so having 1.25 dollars of net income coming in for every dollar of out going debt service payment is acceptable.The mess with this 1.25x they will sometimes make you conform even while subjecting you to underwriting at higher rates, shorter amortization periods, and other income adjustments that make it harder to obtain 1.25x.

In a D class neighborhood or one star I prefer not to buy parks that are really bad, they usually require too much time and effort up front to get them to minimal standards.

The rich in waterfront homes tend to have newer properties that meet current FEMA standards while those in sub $100k homes in coastal areas (but not on the water) or anywhere near a river, stream or large puddle are seeing huge bills (I've seen some properties hit with $20k premiums on <$100k properties).

Here a standard is 20'x20'.

However, I have provided a great standard of living to them across the planet. :)Having said that, even if she were the successful bidder at 220K, you can bet every single one of the 130K she 'saves' they will file for a deficiency judgement FAR in excess of the 130K.

If you accept Section 8, your apt will be inspected annually to make sure it's up to standards, which can cost you some repairs as Section 8 tenants tend to not take care of properties as well as people who pay full price for them.The benefit to accepting Section 8 is that you are getting a large portion of your money every month.

See if you can get a standard 25% down investment loan for 30 years on the 2nd property.

This wasn't a problem as that's our standard operating plan but something to keep in mind.As Bill said the business plan for a real estate investment is a simple document.

When done will get a standard 30 year mortgage with a cash out to pay back what I have put into the project.

These are some industry "standards" you can go by if you choose to get involved.