Make sure you get rid of all other monthly payments and debt first so you can qualify for as much as possible.

When a down cycle happens they will be left with high debt and no cash flow investments to survive.I do way better than the national average but I save and invest.

What are your thoughts on investing/doing a live in flip while having debt?

If you just do it "when you want to" it may not come as easy to you, but realize that real estate offers financial freedom.

This is my first post, I been thinking on helping people to achieve financial freedom for quite some time now.

Our financial objective is to diversify our income.

Also, they won't provide a loan if owned by a LLC.Seek a portfolio bank that does not sell to Fannie/Freddie and they will loan to an LLC and will not cap it until you cannot meet their debt requirements.Send me a private message for a contact at a local portfolio bank.

If it's commercial, then have them send you their P&L's, taxes, personal financial statements etc.

Here's how I attained both in a relatively short time:-I worked for a Big 4 Accounting Firm auditing the financial statements of the biggest names in real estate..

What strategies do you use to protect against financial downturns and is there anything to look for or negotiate when taking out a loan that can protect you?