Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

Yes - its pretty standard to require a cushion over and above the price on a portfolio loan, its to prevent the bank (lender) from adverse selection, i.e. the borrower releasing the better portfolio properties while keeping ones that are more troubled or not cash-flowing as well as collateral

Usually, at this level, the tenant selected as PM enjoys paying 50% of the normal rent, but responsible for taking out the garbage, sweeping and snow removal as well as showing rentals to new tenants.

Having a wide selection of options is far more vital.A zillow guy is probably new to the business and has limited government loan products.

Sometimes you can get a higher price with a great qualified applicant y using this process.Everything needs to be transparent and outlined in your resident selection criteria to avoid any fair housing issues.

@Jesse HarrIn our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

Many newbie landlords and even seasoned types have control issues, basically they lack experience and are simply scared that some little something is going to happen, relax, you should have done your due diligence in selecting a tenant.

Review all applicants with the same criteria and be selective.

Hello BP community,
My brother and I are newbies wanting to get into real state investing, and our goal is to buy our first property by Dec-Jan. We have been educating ourselves by reading Brandon's books, attending ...