@Chris Mason Respectfully, not everything is math...there are all sorts of reasons that someone may be in a position to pay a higher rate, these "challenges" (DTI, Credit Score, BK, F, etc) can be overcome by going to person lender who can overlook these and a deal can be "handcrafted", secured against the collateral vs. fitting into some bank's guidelines. 

I eventually want to jump into having my own properties.This, along reading many REI books, is my first step.

Don't be afraid to jump in once you've learned what you need for the 1st step.

Off market may be your next step.

Also, what would my next logical step be?

Now I'm ready to take the next step into a midium size complex but I can't find anything that's within my comfort level.

Hi All,I am impressed there are so many aussies on this site, Loans to foreign nationals without permanent residency and credit history is a challenge with Banks, but not with certain investments funds.

Hi Max - Congrats on your first deal, I think sometimes the best way to learn is to DO so congrats to you for taking the first step.

Here are the steps with explanations:1 - Get cash together.2 - Find a RE Market that will allow you to use your cash ONLY for all costs (buy/rehab/etc...)3 - Find a lender that will do REFI loans on Rentals...and what their terms are.

Besides reading as many books as I can and  going to as many meetups as I can what steps should I take to keep progressing?