I've traded some pings with a few people but they are realtors, lenders or they represent their interests and not sure I'm getting objective information for MY interests.I want to shorten my learning curve, avoid costly mistakes, and shape a strategy and goals.Thanks for any guidance on the topic.

There's nothing like being contacted by a stranger during one of the worst times in your financial/personal life.  

You're eligible for a smaller down payment on your investment, and your rate will be slightly better.So buy a fourplex, move into the worst unit, and start renovating it.

I just realized I made a mistake on the calculator. 

@Tom Gimer you are correct and that’s my mistake.

We're excited to get going but I'm trying to avoid making as many newbie mistakes as possible.

Get what little you can from the deal, if anything, and move on and never make the same mistakes you made on this deal.

I'd plan for the worst case scenario and then be pleasantly surprised if they don't for a few years.

In addition to an irresponsible Draconian Rent Control measure, California will also be voting on an equally irresponsible Confiscatory Property Tax increase in November.Props 21 and 15 respectively, will combine to tragically foist the burden of the state's longstanding gross fiscal mismanagement squarely on the backs of businesses at perhaps the very worst time for them economically in recent memory.Please make these proposed measures known to all California business owners, and please vote NO on BOTH in the upcoming November ballot.

I know that was the absolute worst way to find an agent and I'm going to take the time to find one more receptive to my needs and experience.