Try to narrow down your options to the top 3-4.

@Michael Mainini you have options and renting could be a good choice if your interest rate is low.

That's a lot higher than the typical 80%.

When the four words in my title here are used, typically you can expect to hear some nostalgic idiot go on about his many cognitive dysfunctions about how wonderful the past was and how hard and miserable times today are.This is not one of those times.What I'd like to ask in this discussion is: what limiting beliefs did you have to eject along the way of your investing journey in order to succeed?

@William StricklandCalculate deals you can use a simple calculator, the issue is typically never the calculator but the data that is input into the calculatorGarbage in = garbage out and this is where experience and knowledge come into play.

So just an option to look at.  

Hi Benjamin, I typically recommend owning your own primary residence before investing.

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+, zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680, some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

If you want to buy a home and live in it for a few years before renting it out, I will look at low-money down conventional/FHA options; if you cannot qualify conventionally with your DTI, I would look at DSCR loans.

It is typical though.