@Maciej So, @Andrew Boettcher hit the nail on the head here.

I am trying to soak up as much information on real estate investing so that I can hit the ground running when I land back stateside.What books/podcasts/articles/other resources would you guys recommend so that I can widen my knowledge of real estate investing and give myself the best opportunity for success?

Are you working with an efficient realtor?

I've heard a lot of great things about this one, but haven't gotten around to it.Not a real estate book, but Ryan Holiday's "The Obstacle is the Way" has helped guide my perspective when I hit walls and need to redirect.

Does anyone have advice regarding how to compile a professional, efficient financial packet to present to banks and lenders?

@Bruce Weyer You would want to talk to an accountant for the exact items that can be deducted but you have hit on the main ones.

We always hit a slump in August due to back to school/end of summer.

Understanding that a good (or bad) deal is not only about the the numbers and returns, for simplicity let’s look at it only from the returns point of view for now.So here it goes, a good deal is one that hit’s the returns you are targeting.

Lots of fine print.I saw A class rentals get hit the hardest with vacancies and offer the most incentives.

However I hit a bump.