One other questions since there are so many experts willing to help :-) Can I refi one of my commerical properties that I already own INTO a FNMA loan?

I read everything I could find online (including BP contributors), bought a book, and generally tried to become an expert in something I had never done, before doing it.I was shopping in the 8-12 unit range.  

I think you will find the value is much better when you can find a local expert.

lol @Richard C. actually I did have enough info, I was at the deed sale and watched @Theresa Nicoletto buy the houses (hope they turn out to be as good of deals as they looked to be) and I have spoken with several lawyers (that buy real estate themselves) in town about the process so I do have a bit of info but do not claim to be an expert in the field.  

While I personally have not yet sent out that many consecutive mailings...from everything I've seen from the experts your response rate increases to about the 6th or 7th mailing then you hit the point of diminishing returns.

are there any expert tips on how to get it quicker or ensure I'm being considered for the property.

While not an expert on that market, I do know a lot about trends in higher education and LaSalle is likely to struggle over the next 10 years.

BTW, I was just listening to podcast 131 and it was good to hear that experts like Joshua Dorkin agree that things are getting pricey and its starting to feel like 2000.

I'm not an expert of that market but having considered the involved costs of buying in Italy and the necessity to find a reliable property manager I would be careful.

We messed so bad with our purchases I'm probably an expert at telling you what not to do.