I am new at this and even though I am comfortable with the analyzer, I like the idea of providing more than one option to the seller which means that I have to become more familiar with structuring different kinds of deals so that I have a better chance of walking away with a signed offer.

We did the o% down and used our savings to buy a pure investment once we were comfortable with the first house.

@Sam Erickson Are you comfortable sharing what area of Milwaukee this is in? 

Quietly watching, reading, and listening - however, I am still not extremely comfortable.  

With Hud Homes it is also a program designed to help those who want to become home owners and can not put down the traditional amount.There are more details that are involved and I will also explain that the 3.5% down was relevant at the time I was licensed as a Realtor.

Are there outside variables or is it just based on how comfortable the bank is with you as a borrower?

Not saying they will lie to you, but everyone does their calculations slightly differently and may not be using the safety margins that you are comfortable with.

I am an engineering manager for a 25+ member team that designs and develops industrial automated leak and function test equipment.

(My thinking is if I find a potential buyer before the offer is accepted then perhaps I would feel more comfortable in the negotiation process, kind of knowing my financial "limit" based on what kind of response I'm getting from buyers.)Just curious and trying to learn the mechanics/logistics.Thanks,Austin-

I am not sure if I feel comfortable managing a second property at this time, especially when the other is unfinished, but I do see the benefits of having a more positive cash flow.Thanks in advance for the advice!