I'd set expectations for 5-10 year maturity, 25-30 year amortization. 

Well said, thank you for your experience Mae!

I hear a lot about ways to 'off set' your W-2 income etc..  

There's mixed reviews on google and some reviews on yelp as well.

I was set to start a job here in TX in acquisitions at a real estate investing company. 

Keep in mind utilities as well. 

I have looked into REI Nation, they market really well for new investors but I am sure they have big fee's and a few horror stories.

I’m a buy and hold as well but if it doesn’t make dollars…I also factor if the neighborhood is growing, is anything bringing appreciation.  

Regarding Scottsdale, I know you know the market well.

I'd recommend looking at larger deals and talk to lenders that work in the space in general. we do smaller tracts of infill land downtown but most of those are also better off by going vertical as well depending on the street they have frontage on.