And I don't take either.I tend to skip over credit unless there are two applications with even numbers and then I go to that as the tie breaker.To me its:1) No Evictions2) No criminal3) Job history (the "just got a new job" applicant is a risk)4) Salary5) Rental history (constant jumper is a risk because they may be jumping and not getting hit with an eviction but they still may stiffing landlords on rent)6) Size of family to house size (6 people in 3 bedroom is a no)6) Then Credit

If we start to see some appreciation in the real estate market, that's a bonus.Its a no brainer to me.

Not saying leverage is a no no, just saying be careful.Hope this is helpful.

At first, it seemed like a no brainer.

John I understand the need to want to start small.I would say however we are seeing increased activity in purchases.I am having meetings weekly with local,out of state,and even talking with investors who are out of the country.For a long term hold debt service is rarely talked about but the absolute key piece of a puzzle.You can find the greatest property in the world and for the rents would be worth every penny but if you can't get reasonable debt service on it there is a no go.Benefit to a 4 unit and below is long term debt 30 years.Anything over 5 units is commercial lending and most are giving 30 year amortizations in with 10 year balloons.The benefit to 5 units and above is generally the value is placed on the income approach versus the comparable sales approach.They are talking about dissolving Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.They have talked about it for years but are now getting serious.They want to make the private lending market take more of the risk and loss.This is likely to put the borrowing cost and rate of money higher than it currently is.This is why if you are not locking in deals now you could lose out.You can typically handle up to a 20 unit by yourself if your good and the building is in good shape.For a 2 unit I would be concerned with any connecting buildings and surrounding buildings that investors own.For instance if many bought at the height of the market I would check to see what kind of loan or debt service they might be carrying and also look at foreclosure notices for the area.If a lot of foreclosures are happening you could get hit with rental rate resets which will affect your cash flow.

Bobby B a question not asked is the same thing as a "No" for an answer.

Why dont they give me a yes or a no after meeting breaking down everything?

I tried opening it and got a "no page found" message.Thanks, Mario

. - Seems like a no brainer2. - Options sound like a good alternative source of income3. - I think I can find some good private financing here, and I don't know anyone in Miami, hahaha.4. - Am currently expanding my business in hte first 2 and half months of 2011, I matched what i did in 2010.5. - I bought a home in college, and have around 20-30k in equity in it. 6-7-8.

It's a no toilet - no carpet - no eviction - no hassle type business.