I now have a low income 4plex that I would like to rent to section 8.

If you finance at 25% down, 25 year amortization and a 7% rate you will not cover mortgage and interest let alone insurance, taxes, vacancy, repair, etc.

After five years you'll have earned $90,000 in rent income and gained $34,000 in appreciation.Buy four houses with $50,000 down on each.

We have found homes that have basements converted into apartments, which we could rent out for income and have also found duplexes with one unit occupied.

My debt/income ratio is lower than it really is because I own alot of rentals so for tax purposes and depreciation, my taxes dont show the whole real picture.  

Not quite a new member as I've been lurking these forums for years, finally deciding to get serious and figured doing the "New Member Introduction" post would be a good step.Briefly about me:  I'm currently working as a merchant mariner (3rd Mate) and I travel for work about half the year, looking to get into real estate investing to supplement my income and begin building a portfolio during the half of the year when I am home.  

I'm also in need of a CPA/tax advisor to advise on what's the best structure from a liability protection and tax planning standpoint.Thanks for your input.

I wouldn’t sell most of my properties for double the tax assessed value.

You also need a tax professional on the project to make certain you obtain every possible, available benefit from the certification.

My goal is for REI to eventually become my passive and active income.