I feel like sometimes we, as people, get so fixated on the known, easy solution we lose sight of what we set out to do in the first place, which is maximize returns not only in the short term but the long term as well. 

I had a house under contract, sight unseen (in-person at least) that I intended to hold as a rental.

Just by following some of the principles and listening to the podcasts, I was able to get multiple listings AS WELL AS off market deals (& even one for ourselves that we'll end up keeping that will hopefully turn into a nice rental *fingers crossed*) with little to no training in real estate.

I thought I can maybe get some new principles out of it that deals with cycles.

Purchase price: $123,500 Sale price: $245,000 Bought sight unseen off-market.

Had a showing on Monday and it sold in just a few hours sight unseen. 

I'm trying to figure out what a lender uses to calculate the following:Inputs: mortgage balance (after downpayment), interest rate, and loan termOutput: monthly payment (principle and interest)

My philosophy is always go for 30 years you can always pay extra towards principle and pay a 30 year loan of in 10 or 15 years if you have the cash. 

This is your return on your money that you can actually spend (if needed), not factoring in your wealth multipliers (appreciation, principle payday, tax advantages.)Buying below market or with a value add play is also important, because everyone needs an out.Combine this analytical method with common sense and experienced eyes will limit your risk.

If you're also contributing capital (like the equivalent to your down payment on a duplex), you can justify a higher percentage ownership in that small property.Looking at a 4-plex v. a duplex, the juice may not be worth the squeeze, but if you set your sights a little higher, I'd say 25% of a 12-plex is much better than all of a duplex...