Being an owner occupant has it's downsides and privacy is one.

The biggest piece of advice is- know the team you are working with, make sure they are good, and know how to run numbers so you know what to expect on a property!

Talked to a PE today who thought the biggest structural issue would be several thousand to repair, but haven't paid him yet for a formal report.

Down side is that these folks are trained to simply take loan applications, pre qualify a borrower, oversee the processing of an application and submit the request to higher approving authorities as deemed prudent in our lending institutions.   

My biggest worry is the company isn't legitimate and then I end-up losing a great deal.

That is one of the biggest things I love about RE.

The property manager said it's the biggest mistake he sees owners make, and that is treating as a numbers game as long as they can ride it then trying to sell at a price that's too high when it's in sad shape.

My biggest concern is that the house is a bit old.

is the biggest issue.Like Eric said that gives the lender a lot of extra exposure.

I am looking to put together a portfolio over the next 10 years that produces good income and allows me to pursue real estate or other business opportunities and leave the corporate world at the age of 45.My biggest concerns are regarding using debt to grow the business.