Are prices that much cheaper in Atlanta versus Boston? 

Ultimately, portfolio lenders are betting on you as much as your property.  

. - Ended up getting it months and months later however, I got word from one of the contractor's workers that he was totally putting off my job and most likely delaying the permit process on his own.A project were doing for a co-op in Journal Square JC - we got permits in 3 weeks,however, that is just for construction versus electrical, plumbing, mechanical.I would expect 2-4 weeks in a normal town but JC I heard can be longer depending on what your requesting.Also, in some towns if you tell them you're flipping versus applying as a homeowner it can take longer. - Also, if you're flipping some towns will make you get an architect to do drawings if you're doing a half bath or other things.

A lot of posts are stating why a PM is so great (and I agree), but that's not the question.A property in a D area is most likely going to require a lot more work from a PM who is going to get paid less for it due to the lower rent, versus a property in an A area that brings in more rent (more money to PM), but in general requires less work from the PM.

If I just isolated the question about student loans versus your mortgage, I would ask to clarify the following:Are you saying you have about $65,000 in equity at this point? 

Either way be sure to pay your accountant for a consultation to understand how you can minimize your taxes in the future versus just paying them to fill out this year's, like what to invest your income into, where to move money to, what receipts to save, etc.

I've also invested in Lancaster & Palmdale, and in your likely price range that may be your best bet ... you can get a single family home in a decent neighborhood or maybe even a duplex there for under $200k.

Ended up needing $147k cash to close versus 20% of $645k, $129k.

That would be $12,500 cash to you up front, $680 monthly cash flow ($40,800 after 5 years), plus the cost difference you owe versus how much you sell for.

Michael, Your best bet is to partner with a builder and take a cut of the building portion.