and in that case how can the llc qualify for the mortgage since it doesn't have any income on it's own initially?

In my opinion, finance at least teaches you the bigger skill sets that can be applied to your RE career.

The rest were no shows.I've had far more qualified-sounding leads from my ad in the local paper than from Craigslist.

If it weren't for the loan size or amount down, I wouldn't have an issue qualifying.

If you're doing it yourself, do you have the time/energy/skills to do it successfully?

And yes, the agent is required to present all offers, and, in my opinion, not qualified to discern legitimate offers from illegitimate ones.Find a good agent...they do exist.

I am only going to speak for myself...I do work with investors but only qualified investors who are the buy and hold type...here is why...I worked for one "aspiring investor" last year who had a 600 FICO and was "pre-qualified" for 100% hard money at something crazy like 15% and all the money in her life amounted to $2000 for an initial deposit.

I have yet to purchase any properties, which means I qualify for the first time home buyers assistance (not sure how much assistance this actually is yet) and I plan on purchasing a duplex, triplex or quadplex sometime in early to mid 2009 as my primary residence.

If you have enough properties (or a large enough single property) to make good use of employees, I feel it is the smartest way to operate...as long as you A) LIMIT the types of work (to minimize injury risk...a worker's comp experience mod increase can put you out of business); B) pay what is necessary to attract a WELL qualified employee (NOT your typical "handyman"); C) are an efficient project manager, or are willing to delegate that task to the employee...and generally support his decisions/timelines.If you try to micromanage...you will have turnover, which will be more costly than hiring a contractor.

HSA's do require a high deductible insurance plan, as to paying for a second in addition to the one provided by your employer or switching is something you should verify with your financial advisor or by looking up the HSA guidelines on qualified insurance plans.