And the worst is that, we are actually sitting on more equity than what you estimate.

@Ian SalinasI’m a pretty small duplex investor in Minnesota, but I’d like to share my thoughts and questions which may inspire more thoughts.Get to know your local laws and start talking with a real estate attorney on what your worst case (eviction) looks like and how much it will cost in fees and unpaid rent.

There have been many, many times when the only thing that kept me going was the fact that I just couldn't let my wife down any more than I had already.I wouldn't wish what I see from my privileged position as the grief of the arrangement Kelsey is proposing on my worst enemy.

What's the worst maintenance request story you have to share?

Assume the worst. 

With your ultimate goal to use this as a long term investment once you're out, I would personally focus my math on the worst-case scenario.

I think the order of best to worst ways of financing are FHA, conventional, HM whether you are buying through HUBZU or any other source. 

On smaller loan amounts it's the points/fees that gets you (the 3% for owner occ and 5% for investment that you referenced), on larger loans it's the "average prime offer rate" (APOR) test, the computer is comparing the interest rate and APR on the cash out, 2-4 unit, high balance, high LTV, investment property (worst possible pricing, every individual item I just listed is a 'hit'), and wondering why it's X% higher than the owner occ 740 FICO 25% down $500k house (best possible pricing).Surprisingly, you see a LOT of variance in the interpretation of these rules, which translates into what is programmed into the various computer systems.

The convoluted process reflects local government at its worst. 

If they didn't, there would be no more REI.The real problem you should worry about, is to let that fear force you into making a bad deal...just because you're afraid of where that next one will come from.Some of the best deals you'll make (hopefully) will be the ones you don't make, and the worst deals (hopefully not) would have been the ones you shouldn't have made..that you did make just because you were too focused on getting the next "property" instead of the next "deal".