I like your writing style, very simple and clear.I've hoarded on cash this time (keeping my powder dry as you said), and rather buy when RE is lower that current highs, than pull the trigger due to impatience.

A word to the wise though: I like your style, but your posts in the Forum are suspiciously edging towards direct advertising (by encouraging us to look up your SPONSORED profile) ie. only appropriate for the Marketplace Section.

If you do not want to work your way up in the business and want to pay for instant success, then you may want to look for more of one on one type of paid mentors... these free for all guru events are full of information but very hard to cram what would take you years to learn into a 3 day weekend.BP has a bunch of regular investors that share their investing theories and stories and some of this may help you and its free.. really depends on your learning style...

Larry,I would think it would be based on a few different factors, mostly what your RE investment objectives and style are.

Rate of interest may be similar from bank to bank, but may not be suitable for another individual to another.

I rented for the first year and stumbled across a HUD Repo while looking for a more suitable place to rent.

He doesn't brag about himself or his business, really like his style.

I pay to use the full motioin simulator.. could I just go out and practice on my own I guess so or read flying articles probably.. nothing beats a little hand holding.And it depends on your learning style..

If you have enough data to match up style - colonial vs. colonial, split-level vs. split level, I would do that next.Then look at bedrooms/baths. 

Focus first on learning about your tenants, letting the tenants learn about your management style, improving the property and finding the sweet spot for rents for your market.