Well, you've definitely come to the right place to progress in your real estate investing.

I'm open to meeting new people who can help mentor me as I progress towards doing my 1st deal.

Consider using arbitrage here rather than focusing on paying down the mortgages, I would bet my mortgage that when done right, you would come out ahead that way as opposed to your way.Example, rather than paying the extra to the next mortgage, why not take that extra, get a cash out refi on the paid off home, and buy an 11 home!

Hello everyone, I am looking for a recommendation for either a structural engineer or a knowledgeable foundation repair company.My home (1968), soon to be rental, has some progressing settling or shifting.

I am sure I will seek you out again as the process progresses!

That right there, and with your numbers, says to me its the safer bet.

Your best bet on a small mortgage is probably a HELOC, but they will want to see that you've owned it for a year.

@John HornerIf you want to get technical bird dogging is illegal if you get any compensation.Pretty sure it would be considered practicing real estate without a license and any agreement you put in place will just be knowingly trying to circumvent that fact.So if you ever took a bird dog fee your best bet is to turn yourself in to the local authorities and plead mercy by the court.

(I haven't looked but I'll bet other states have similar procedures.)

An HML is not going to subordinate their position, I'd bet on that.I doubt I do this deal, but, your money in a partnership is protected in the by laws or operating agreement in partnership agreements, filing a deed of trust or mtg isn't necessary unless you want to be a lender.