Not that achieving financial freedom is any less important than being able to offer affordable housing to those in need, but its having that extra "why" ; that sense of passion and direction that I know will allow you to achieve your dreams!

I get a little scared with folks buying houses with 0% when they can't afford closing costs or earnest money. 

@Cole Britting not everyone can afford to buy and there will always be a rental market.

I couldn’t afford to put down 25%, so I could let the property go (financing contingency was included in our contract), OR, I could remove the upstairs kitchen and combine one of the utilities.The sellers were obviously getting antsy at this point, but they were a lovely couple who’d rehabbed the home themselves and I’d created good rapport with them and kept them up to date during the whole process.

That doesn't mean they will, or that they will win.Tell me: do you honestly believe she can afford an attorney when she can't even afford her own rent? 

So at this point in my journey, my fears are gone because I now know that I can afford the monthly payments even if it sits vacant.

The 2008 crisis was unique, in that it was caused by people who had bought assets they couldnt actually afford due to underwriting guidelines at the time. 

NAR is also working closely with ALTA and MBA whose members are also greatly impacted by county closures of recordation services.Multi-familyNAR joined a coalition letter(link is external) representing for-profit and non-profit owners, developers and others involved in the provision of affordable rental housing.

Are there other (more affordable) sites that I can use to find out about market trends, city data etc.?  

Are there other (more affordable) sites that I can use to find out about market trends, city data etc.?