I'm also learning to do bookkeeping for a friend's company.My broad goal for real estate investing is to earn enough money to be financially independent.

What are your goals?

@Troy Luster it just depends on your goals and what you want out of your property.

I gross around $110,000 per year in rent and pocket about $3,200 / month depending on how many expenses I have.My goal is to achieve financial freedom soon. 

It's wonderful to read other success stories and goals.

I am currently in the process of obtaining my first buy and hold property..my only dilemma is which route to go in order to finance the property..to give you guys an insight on my scenario I have good credit (740+)..access to down payment money (10,000-15,000)..no prior investment history..Im not sure if I can do a conventional loan because my debt to income ratio may be too high and from my understanding (correct me if I'm wrong) Hardmoney lenders are typically better used with flips and rehab properties..can anybody help me understand my options to financing my first buy and hold property😩..thanks, Shane

Prior to the crash you could get 100% loans or interest only loans and the requirements for income were lower.

Chase bank recently requested I add this into the listing agreement (LA) I have with the seller:  "SELLER MAY CANCEL THIS AGREEMENT PRIOR TO THE ENDING DATE OF THE LISTING PERIOD WITHOUT ADVANCE NOTICE TO THE BROKER, AND WITHOUT PAYMENT OF A COMMISSION OR ANY OTHER CONSIDERATION IF THE PROPERTY IS CONVEYED TO THE MORTGAGE INSURER OR THE MORTGAGE HOLDER.

As I understand it banks tend to look for 6 months of seasoning prior to refinancing.

in this scenario, the prior owner or bank would have risk of loss, and (assuming the bank carried an insurance policy) would be entitled to the insurance proceeds?