Early today, my mom's symptoms grew worse, vomiting, confusion, slightly diminished motor skills...

I am an engineer by trade and sometimes out of curiosity, I look where I shouldn't have, and this had in the past lead me to some big headaches.

The compensating factors here may have been the down payment, (LTV) and length of time on the job as well as credit standing and obvious personal management skills, especially if there were no other debts or if another debt would be falling off in short order, say like 8 months.A bank could fund that loan as a QM, it doesn't have to meet all Fannie Mae guidelines.The main horse of the CFBP was on TV this AM.

@Tim Richard, I may be alone on this one, which is ironic, given that i went most of the distance on this one and have a Master's degree, but if you know you want to be in real estate/real estate investing, i would suggest you find a job that will give you the skill set to be successful in that field as soon as possible.

We've seen institutional quality assets in the best markets trade in sub-5% cap rate range.

The difference is to make it work that way you have to invest a lot of TIME and SWEAT EQUITY to learn the trade properly to find and recognize the deals, and market or network with buyers. 

To be a good investor you need to: Be self-motivated to work hard (this can be proven by earning a good income)Have basic accounting skills and ability to follow the money (this can be proven by setting and staying within your monthly budget)Live below your means (this can be proven by setting aside a little $ each month for investing)Be responsible and keep up with things (this can be proven by paying your bills on time)Lastly but certainly not least, delay gratification (this can be proven by not cannibalizing your investment savings when circumstances of life tempt you to do so).

Ahh CJ I am glad you are here....Here are some Christmas Presents:Download these free ebooks FREE - Napoleon Hill, George S Classon, and others.To succeed with CJs Top 3 Goals...1. improve on my interpersonal relations Buy http://www.amazon.com/The-Essential-People-Skills-Conflicts/dp/14165954812. develop more resiliency in my personality.Buy http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0671791540/ref=sr_1_1_up_1_main_olp?

It is ok if you are new, you will learn and even be able to find a mentor or at least someone who is willing to trade ideas and help you out along the way.What is it that you want to do?

I am in preliminary talks with an attorney who is willing to trade some services like reviewing contracts and other business needs with the understanding that I bring in closings on the deals I construct.