Should we work on paying down our student loan debt as much as we can or continue making the monthly payments as we always have and use the extra to finance our first property?

Take the extra 700/month (1650 rent for Unit 1-950 basement rent=700) and pay off the 2nd.  

Usually, these are folks who are comfortable working with the demographic.

Not all of Muskegon is a bust, but the better areas don't often offer good deals, as they are usually $200K+ near or on water.

You must qualify for the price of the home plus the repairs (Repairs will be over $20,000 usually).  

@Jon S. agree now is not the time to be buying, I believe we are in extra innings of the current business cycle.

So we shall stay patient and persistent and usually that produces great results

I usually just call them, let them know I am interested in buying properties like theirs, and ask them if we can discuss.For a letter, I would let them know the parameters of what you're looking for and the state of your financing/ability to buy, and let them know you'll be following up with a phone call if possible.

I usually keep my utilization rate between 2-12%.

When we get private loans, we usually don't leave much in a property.